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TABLE 3-1 Equations for Predicting Resting Energy Expenditure from Body Weighta
Sex and Age Range (years)	Equation to Derive REE in kcal/day	Rb	SDb
Males
0-3	(60.9 X wtc) - 54	0.97	53
3-10	(22.7 x wt) + 495	0.86	62
10-18	(17.5 x wt) + 651	0.90	100
18-30	(15.3 x wt) + 679	0.65	151
30-60	(11.6 x wt) + 879	0.60	164
>60	(13.5 x wt) + 487	0.79	148
Females
0-3	(61.0 x wt) - 51	0.97	61
3-10	(22.5 x wt) + 499	0.85	63
10-18	(12.2 x wt) + 746	0.75	117
18-30	(14.7 x wt) + 496	0.72	121
30-60	(8.7 x wt) + 829	0.70	108
>60	(10.5 x wt) + 596	0.74	108

a From WHO (1985). These equations were derived from BMR data.
b Correlation coefficient (R)of reported BMRs and predicted values, and standard deviation (SD)) of the differences between actual and computed values.
c Weight of person in kilograms.

equations published by WHO (1985)b (Table 3-1). These calculated values are not completely accurate for individuals, but can serve as a guide for dietary planning. These equations take into account age, sex, and weight, but ignore height, which was found not to affect the precision of prediction appreciably.

Physical Activity

For most people, the second largest component of total energy expenditure is the energy expended in physical activity. In the past, estimates of energy requirements were based in part on the different physical activity levels associated with different occupations. With the introduction  of labor-saving  machinery, occupational energy expenditures and differences between occupations tended to decline. Renewed emphasis on physical fitness has led some people, but not

b In the United States, many investigators use the equations of Harris and Benedict (1919) to determine BMR. The values calculated from these equations do not differ significantly from those derived from the international equations used in this volume.