Mifflin-St. Jeor Special Group Errors: Older Adults (Nonobese and Obese)

Study Quality

Nine cross-sectional studies (including Mifflin-St. Jeor) were evaluated. The Mifflin-St.Jeor equation validation sample qualified as “high quality” (or received a “plus” rating on the evidence analysis worksheet). Four other large studies (DeLorenzo, 2001; Frankenfield, 2003; Scalfi, 1993; and Taaffe, 1995) instituted a methodologically sound standardized protocol for measuring indirect calorimetry and received a “plus” quality rating. Three studies presented in the evidence analysis worksheets did include the oldest old (Arcerio (females and males), 1993 and Taaffe, 1995) with the strongest study (i.e., “plus” quality rating) (Taaffe, 1995) only including aged adult females ranging from 50-81 years (mean age 61y + 8 SD[Analyst note: In the study by Heshka selecting obese individuals, 22 females (i.e., 32% of female subgroup) potentially represented non-obese weight classification (i.e., BMI 24-28). While enrollment criteria was 20% above desirable body weight based on 1959 Metropolitan Life tables, analysts were unable to determine if % body fat or “obesity” criteria met and if overweight categories were excluded in data. Therefore data is presented as non-obese and obese combined weight data.]

Six research studies reported the evaluation of the equations in U.S. and Canadian populations. Four studies included obese and non-obese subjects in the sampling and data were not separated (Arcerio (females and males), 1993; Mifflin-St. Jeor, 1990; and Taaffe, 1995). Frankenfield (2003) analyzed data by normal and overweight and obese weight classifications. The Mifflin-St. Jeor equation has been tested within two international (Chinese and Italian) populations (Liu, 1994; DeLorenzo 2001; and Scalfi, 1993, respectively). Two studies excluded obese individuals (Liu and Scalfi) and a third study, DeLorenzo, analyzed data by gender and body weight classification.

Older Adults

Older Adults

Three U.S. studies (two studies using moderate research quality design and one using a high quality research design) evaluated the Mifflin-St. Jeor equation on aged populations [Arcerio (males and females) and Taaffe]. The Mifflin-St. Jeor equation underestimates RMR of aged Caucasian women by 4-11% [Arcerio (females), mean age 61 y +/- 8 y); and Taaffe, mean age 67.1 +/- 4.4 y)] with a relative individual error range of -31 to 7% (Arcerio, females). The predictive equation underestimates RMR in males by a group mean of 5% with an individual relative range from -18 to 5%.