Resting metabolic rate objectively measured vs. Harris and Benedict formula

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is the energy spent in activities necessary to maintain normal homeostasis and body functions. In the XX century, Harris and Benedict conducted a study using calorimetry to the measurement of basal metabolic rate. This study analysed physical variables (age, weight, height) and physiological data expressing the results in two formulas, one for males and another for females. Studies indicate that the data obtained in the equations are the same as those obtained by indirect calorimetry, however other studies question these results. Objective: Study the correlation between the RMR using indirect calorimetry and Harris-Benedict formula in a group of workers of granite industry. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was developed. Data collection was performed using a sample of 30 men from two companies of granite industry. Data collection was done using anthropometric measurements and the RMR assessed using the Fitmate, Cosmed®. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the statistical software Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. Results: The sample comprised 30 men, with a mean age of 39.8 (SD = 13.9) years. The RMR measured was in average of 1,741.0 (SD = 281.7) Kcal, and the Harris and Benedict Formula resulted in an average of 1,785.0 (SD = 229.2) Kcal. RMRs objectively measured and calculated varied on average 4.1 (SD = 14.6) % and were significantly correlated (=0.539; p-value = 0.01). Conclusions: The Harris-Benedict formula overestimates the RMR value at around 4.1 %, as previously mentioned. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion