Validity of RMR equations in underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese Emirati female young adults

Predictive equations have been developed to calculate resting metabolic rate (RMR) however they vary in their level of accuracy as they differ in the conditions in which they were developed and the variables that they consider.

This cross-sectional study aims to examine the validity of published RMR equations in Emirati female young adults and develop a new cohort-specific RMR equation. Indirect calorimetry and anthropometric data were obtained from 149 female participants (17-27 years) across all body mass index (BMI) categories.

Of the 9 prediction equations examined, Mifflin-St Jeor was the most accurate (mean difference: -15.8-83.8 Kcal/day), while the Harris-Benedict equation was the most inaccurate. In addition to evaluating existing equations, this study developed a new predictive equation-named the MDRL equation-specifically tailored for young Emirati females. The MDRL equation had the lowest mean difference at -0.61 kcal/day, with 95% limits of agreement ranging from - 29.6 to 28.4 kcal/day, and achieved the highest accuracy, with 56.1% of participants having predicted RMR values within 10% of the measured value.

The newly developed MDRL equation demonstrated the highest accuracy (56.1%) and the lowest mean difference (-0.61 kcal/day), providing a valid and reliable method to estimate RMR specifically in young Emirati females. This population-specific equation has the potential to improve dietary planning and clinical practice in the UAE. However, further studies are needed to validate this equation in an independent sample and explore its applicability across broader Gulf populations.