Prediction Equations to Estimate Resting Metabolic Rate in Healthy, Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults.

Two novel RMR prediction equations were derived for Chinese older adults using fat-free mass, age, sex, and weight as predictors.

• Cai1 equation (FFM + age): RMR = 1393.019 - (11.112 × age) + (11.963 × FFM); R2 = 0.572
• Cai2 equation (sex + age + weight): RMR = 1537.513 + (91.038 × sex) - (11.515 × age) + (5.436 × WT); R2 = 0.528
• Both equations achieved 82.5% adequacy, defined as predicted RMR within 90-110% of measured values
• Both equations showed strong positive correlations with measured RMR (r = 0.792 and r = 0.773, respectively, both p < 0.001)

Both novel prediction equations demonstrated minimal systematic bias compared to measured RMR by indirect calorimetry.

• Cai1 showed a systematic bias of -0.72% and Cai2 showed a systematic bias of -1.08%
• Bland-Altman analysis confirmed no systematic bias for either novel equation
• RMR was measured via indirect calorimetry as the reference standard
• Body composition was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)

Eleven widely used published RMR prediction equations significantly overestimated RMR in Chinese older adults.

• Systematic overestimation ranged from +8.39% to +38.03% across the 11 published equations
• Equations tested included Harris-Benedict and Mifflin-St. Jeor, among others
• None of the 11 published equations were developed specifically for Chinese older adults
• These results indicate that existing equations are not appropriate for this population

The study sample consisted of 189 healthy, community-dwelling older adults recruited from Shanghai, China.

• Mean age was 69.5 ± 6.3 years, with a range of 60-94 years
• Mean BMI was 24.0 ± 3.1 kg/m2
• Participants were recruited from the Shanghai, China community
• Participants were described as healthy and community-dwelling

China's aging population faces concurrent undernutrition and overnutrition, highlighting the need for accurate RMR assessment tools.

• Approximately one-third of Chinese older adults have protein insufficiency
• High rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes represent overnutrition concerns in this population
• No RMR prediction equations specific to Chinese older adults existed prior to this study
• Accurate RMR assessment is identified as important for mitigating geriatric nutritional imbalances