Employing RMR Technology in a 90-Day Weight Control Program

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a weight management program using indirect calorimetry to set energy goals. Methods: 54 overweight, active duty adult employees of the US Air Force (age 18–46 years, BMI 25.2–35.6 kg/m²) participated in this quasi-experimental control design study. All participants were enrolled in a four-session US Air Force ‘Sensible Weigh’ group weight control program. Treatment participants received a personalized nutrition energy goal message developed using measured resting metabolic rate (RMR) from a hand-held indirect calorimeter (MedGem®). Usual care participants received a nutritional message using a standard care equation (25 kcal/day × body weight) to set energy intake goals. Results: Treatment participants lost significantly more weight than usual care participants (p ≤ 0.05). Difference in weight loss between the treatment and usual care group were –4.3 kg ± 3.3 vs. –1.8 kg ± 3.2, respectively. There were no significant differences in reported food intake or energy expenditure between groups. Conclusion: The use of indirect calorimetry to assess RMR and set energy intake goals positively influences weight loss success in overweight Air Force personnel.

A 24-week randomised controlled trial comparing usual care and metabolic-based diet plans in obese adults

“…UE experienced a steady decline throughout the study. These results are similar to the previous studies employing higher levels of calorie intake plans (22,23). Beasley et al (22) demonstrated a reduction in appetite following a 6-week period of consuming a 25% protein, 2100 kcal ⁄ day.…”

“…1200-1600 kcal ⁄ day) (4-9,15). In addition, MD participants experienced similar weight loss ()5.7 ± 7.1 kg) to the previous studies employing metabolic-based diet plans (21,23). Weight loss between groups was not significantly different.…”

“…McDoniel et al (23) demonstrated overweight individuals may reduce bodyweight ()4.3 ± 3.3 kg) over a 12-week period with a balanced macronutrient, nutrition plan (est. 1700-1900 kcal ⁄ day) close to basal metabolic needs.…”

Assessing resting energy expenditure in overweight and obese adolescents in a clinical setting: validity of a handheld indirect calorimeter

“…These small changes in nutrition (energy intake) in addition to physical activity behaviors can prevent weight gain (35). Thus, an individually measured REE provides an additional tool to aid in the weight management strategy, as shown earlier in overweight US Air Force personnel (36). This aspect of an objective measurement of REE-based diet and nutrition counseling, may provide an additional tool in the treatment and management of overweight and obese adolescents, and needs to be explored further.…”

A combination of various functional food ingredients as a weight management program: randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blind human clinical studies

“…. Energy/caloric metabolism activity indicated by RMR and PPEE was measured by breath oxygen volume (VO 2 ; ml/min) using hand-held indirect calorimeter (MedGem ® test kit, Microlife ® , Golden, CO) [40] in a separate independent study from Study 1. Test procedures are shown in Figure 2B.…”