OBJETCTIVE: To evaluate the validity of the equation proposed by Henry and Rees (1991) to predict resting metabolic rate in adolescent boys. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 52 boys aged ten to 17 years on a random convenience sample. The variables measured were: body mass and indirect calorimetry. Body mass was replaced in the equation of Henry and Rees to determine the predicted resting metabolic rate. The indirect calorimetry was determined by the values of O2 consumption and CO2 productions, in order to calculate Weir's equation (1949), considered in this study as the standard method to calculate resting metabolic rate. All measurements were performed in the supine position and at rest, in the morning after a six-hour fast. Statistical analysis included paired t-test; constant error (with a tolerable difference between the means <5%) and Bland and Altman graphic analysis. RESULTS: The equation proposed by Henry and Rees did not show significant difference in relation to the standard method and the constant error between the means was <5%. However, Bland and Altman analysis did not show agreement between the studied equation and the standard method. CONCLUSIONS: Henry and Rees equation should be used with caution to calculate resting metabolic rate in adolescent boys with similar characteristics of the studied group.
energy metabolism; child health (Public Health); adolescent
