Introduction

The knowledge of basal energy expenditure measurement is essential for prescription of nutritional interventions in children and adolescents with obesity, in order to improve their nutritional status. Aim: Assess the accuracy prediction of diverse equations to estimate basal energy expenditure in comparison with indirect in children with overweight and obesity in Morelos, Mexico.

Material and Methods

Cross-sectional study in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. Body weight, height and body composition by air-displacement plethysmography were measured. Basal energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry and predicted by diverse equations; FAO/OMS, Harris-Benedict, Tverskaya, Schofield, Mifflin St. Jeor and Lazzer.

Results

Eighty-four patients of 11.3±3.2 years old were included. By BMI, 20% were overweight and 80% obese. No statistical differences were observed in body composition parameters between boys and girls. Harris-Benedict and Mifflin St. Jeor equations shows the best accuracy and agreement.

Conclusions

Equations did not accurately predict basal energy expenditure in the study sample. It is needed to develop specific equations particularly in obese population.

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