Subject Area
Science
Description
Accurate estimate of resting metabolic rate (RMR) is important for tailoring nutrition support in clinical settings. Metabolic rate is often calculated using the Harris-Benedict equations, which estimate metabolic rate using separate equations for men and women. PURPOSE: This study aims to develop a more inclusive, single predictive equation based on lean body mass instead of gender. METHODS: Six healthy individuals (Age: 22±5; BMI: 22.3±0.7) underwent assessment of resting metabolic rate (RMR) using indirect calorimetry, and full-body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry to measure lean body mass. RMR was divided by lean body mass to examine the relationship between muscle mass and metabolic rate across genders. RESULTS: Mean RMR was 1585±265 kcal/d and mean lean body mass was 46.7±10.6 kg. Mean RMR based on lean body mass was 34 kcals/kg (range 30-40 kcals/kg). CONCLUSIONS: Lean body mass demonstrated a strong relationship with RMR, as individuals with greater lean body mass consistently exhibited higher energy expenditure. When RMR was expressed relative to lean body mass, values clustered within a relatively narrow range, suggesting that lean tissue is a meaningful contributor of metabolic rate. However, despite this overall trend, there was considerable inter- individual variability, indicating that factors beyond lean body mass likely contribute to differences in RMR. These findings support the potential value of developing predictive equations based on lean body mass rather than sex-based assumptions of body composition, but further research is needed to better understand sources of variability.
Publisher
Providence College
Date
Spring 4-22-2026
Start Date
4-22-2026 3:00 PM
Type
Poster
Format
Text
.pdf (text under image)
Language
English
