Comparación de diferentes métodos de estimación del gasto energético de adultos obesos en reposo

Objective

To evaluate the effect and reliability of several methods for evaluating the resting energy expenditure in overweight and obese adults in relation to the conventional indirect calorimetry used as a reference.

Methods

This cross study compares the resting energy expenditure values in men and women with obesity (CMI = 32.4) obtained using indirect calorimetry, fast evaluation formulas, a physical activity metabolic monitor and a portable indirect calorimetry device.

Results

Significant differences were found in all the methods used, depending on the sex. There was also a good correlation of them all with the indirect calorimetry, although some significant differences were observed among the methods used.

Conclusions

In order to obtain the REE in people with an excess of weight using such simple methods as the formulas, it seems more advisable to do so by adapting the weight. With regards to the new instruments which the health-care professional has, they reduce the measurement times and they are easier to handle, although perhaps they need to be adapted by the manufacturer to the different types of population. Even so, these methods show a good correlation with the indirect calorimetry.