Re: Accuracy of RMR Equations

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Jeff,

Not to argue the accuracy of the methods.

RMR has come up in another group, and a lady athlete claims to eat 2300 kcals, because she measured her RMR at 2300 and that's what she thinks she should eat. I eat 1800 kcals only because I found that level by experiment. Now I do know I can switch from feeling cold to not feeling cold just by substituting whey for some carbs - increasing protein holding 1800. That causes me to lose weight. So I'd need to eat more calories.

All these things lead me to believe that any measurement of a basal rate is suspect.

So I wonder what I use it for. I certainly don't want to justify eating more calories just because someone measures me at say 2300 - what do I care? If that were the case would I want to eat more calories and exercise more to keep my weight down? I think that's a big negative from a CR POV.

But then the real crux arises what do I use to estimate of my daily/yearly BMR? An equation is something I can compute everyday - a measurement I don't have available. So stating the obvious, that individuals can vary, and even the individual can change his BMR (from CR experience), doesn't solve the problem for most folks.

Now if the person measuring my BMR/RMR said I was 2300 kcals, I would respond: "how do I get that down?" Theoretically, if I carry the CR to the limit, I would want my BMR to be zero and eat just enough to provide exercise requirements and that regardless of my weight. See where I'm going? Obviously, organs require some energy, lungs need to convert water to vapor, body heat to keep the body above say 85 deg, but it may be that a minimum BMR of 1000 is achievable.

If there are individuals weighing 175# with BMR's of 1000, then that's what I want to get to. And I'm not talking about sacrificing any weight, making any change to exercise level. Maybe it means making the body 100 % efficient in absorbing a perfect diet. Maybe wearing a sweater in 80 deg air.

Regards.

----- Original Message -----

From: Jeff Novick

Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2005 11:39 AM

Subject: [ ] Accuracy of RMR Equations

I have found the HB equation to be more inaccurate amongs the obese andthe thin. In the middle of the curve, it does better, but some datasay as much as 36% off toward the outliers, especially the very obese ofthin. As a thin person, I think that is where the error is in my % ofCR.JeffThis is the reference for the one I mentioned where the actual RMR forthe indivudals ranged around +/- 30% than the RMR from the HB equation., G. et al. (1988). Resting Energy Expenditure, Body Composition,and Excess Weight in the Obese. Metabolism, 37(5), 467-472.