La mesure du métabolisme de base reste fondamentale pour établir les apports énergétiques conseillés aux patients obèses

Three methods for evaluating the resting metabolic rate (RMR) in obese patients have been compared with the reference technique measurement: indirect calorimetry. The methods were the calculation of RMR by Harris and Benedict's and Black's formulas, and by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). In the same patients, the level of recommended energetic intakes obtained from the dietetic evaluation was compared with the ideal level given by the calorimetric RMR. Bioelectrical impedance analysis and Harris and Benedict's formulas gave mean results non significantly different from indirect calorimetry, but with a high risk of dispersion, and they were consequently unusable in daily practice. Black's formulas significantly underestimated RMR. The dietetic evaluation proposed a too high level of energetic intakes, with a risk for the patients of inefficiency. The calorimetric RMR measurement is still a base for obtaining the level of energetic intakes recommended to obese patients.