The Harris–Benedict equation (also called the Harris-Benedict principle) is a method used to estimate an individual's
basal metabolic rate (BMR).
The estimated BMR value may be multiplied by a number that corresponds to the individual's activity level; the resulting number is the approximate daily
kilocalorie intake to maintain current
body weight
Human body weight is a person's mass or weight.
Strictly speaking, body weight is the measurement of weight without items located on the person. Practically though, body weight may be measured with clothes on, but without shoes or heavy accessor ...
.
The Harris-Benedict equation may be used to assist weight loss — by reducing the kilocalorie intake number below the estimated maintenance intake of the equation.
Calculating the Harris-Benedict BMR
The original Harris–Benedict equations were published in 1918 and 1919.
The Harris–Benedict equations revised by Roza and Shizgal in 1984.
The 95% confidence range for men is ±213.0 kcal/day, and ±201.0 kcal/day for women.
The Harris–Benedict equations revised by
Mifflin and St Jeor in 1990:
History
The Harris-Benedict equation sprang from a study by
James Arthur Harris and
Francis Gano Benedict
Francis Gano Benedict (October 3, 1870 – April 14, 1957) was an American chemist, physiologist, and nutritionist who developed a calorimeter and a spirometer used to determine oxygen consumption and measure metabolic rate.
Biography
Born ...
, which was published in 1919 by the
Carnegie Institution of Washington in the
monograph
A monograph is a specialist work of writing (in contrast to reference works) or exhibition on a single subject or an aspect of a subject, often by a single author or artist, and usually on a scholarly subject.
In library cataloging, ''monograph ...
br>
A Biometric Study Of Basal Metabolism In Man A 1984
revision
Revision is the process of revising.
More specifically, it may refer to:
* Patch (computing), Update, a modification of software or a database
* Revision control, the management of changes to sets of computer files
* ''ReVisions'', a 2004 antholo ...
improved its accuracy. Mifflin et al. published an equation more predictive for modern lifestyles in 1990.
[ Later work produced BMR estimators that accounted for lean body mass.
]
Issues in dietary use
As the BMR equations do not attempt to take into account body composition, identical results can be calculated for a very muscular person, and an overweight person, who are both the same height, weight, age and gender. As muscle and fat require differing amounts of calories to maintain, the TEE estimates will not be accurate for such cases.
The paper behind the latest update (Mifflin et al) to the BMR formula states all participants in their study fall within the 'normal' and 'overweight' body mass index
Body mass index (BMI) is a value derived from the mass (weight) and height of a person. The BMI is defined as the body mass divided by the square of the body height, and is expressed in units of kg/m2, resulting from mass in kilograms and he ...
(BMI) categories, and so the results also do not necessarily apply to those in the 'underweight' or 'obese' BMI categories.
See also
* Food energy
* Resting metabolic rate
* Institute of Medicine Equation The Institute of Medicine Equation was published in September 2002. It is the equation which is behind the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the new food pyramid, MyPyramid.
The Institute of Medicine equation uses a different approach to m ...
* Schofield equation
Cited sources
External links
Harris-Benedict BMI Calculator at WebMD
{{DEFAULTSORT:Harris-Benedict equation
Nutrition
Equations