Validation of predictive equations for resting energy expenditure in children and adolescents with different body mass indexes

Background: Accurate estimation of resting energy expenditure (REE) in children and adolescents is important to establish estimated energy requirements. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of existing equations in literature and a newly developed equation in estimating REE in children and adolescents.

Methods: 275 participants (148 boys, 127 girls) aged 6-18 years included in the study were classified as normal-weighted, overweight, obese based on BMI z-scores for age according to WHO-2007 growth curves for 5-19 years of age. REEs were measured using an indirect calorimeter, with various equations, and a newly established equation [REE = 505.412+(24.383*FFM);Adjusted R² = 0.649] were compared with REE measured using Bland-Altman and further validation parameters.

Results: When the predicted REEs were compared with the measured REEs, the highest prediction accuracy was achieved using the new Eq. (64.8%) and IOM (63.8%) for normal-weight participants, Müller FFM and new Eq. (59.6%) for overweight participants and Lazzer (44.9%) for obese participants. In normal and overweight participants, lowest root mean squared error (RMSE) values were acquired from Schmelzle's equation (respectively 136.2;159.9 kcal/d), and the highest values were found in Kim's Eq. (315.2; 295.2 kcal/d respectively). RMSE value of the new equation was 174.7 kcal/d for normal-weight children and adolescents, and 201.9 kcal/d for overweight ones. In obese participants, the lowest RMSE value was obtained from Schmelzle's Eq. (305.4 kcal/d) and the new Eq. (317.4 kcal/d), while the highest value was obtained from IOM Eq. (439.9 kcal/d). RMSE was higher in obese groups compared to the other BMI groups.

Conclusion: Indirect-calorimeter is the most suitable method for REE measurement in especially obese children and adolescents. The new equation and Schmelzle's equation appear to be most accurate equations for normal and overweight children and adolescents.