Adjusted weight in calculating energy needs

[Nancy Hudson]

>     Hi, this question is for individuals who work with obese clients.  Do

>     you use an adjusted weight in calculating energy needs for weight

>     loss?  If yes, what formula do you use and why?  If no, why not?  I

>     have heard conflicting information regarding the use of adjusted

>     weights and want to give the dietetic students I am teaching the most

>     up-to-date information on the subject.

>

>     Also, what formula do you use for estimating energy needs?

>     Harris-Benedict equation or some other simple formula?

>

>     Thank you so much for your help in advance!

>

>     Susan Lutz

>     Assistant Professor

>     University of Missouri-Columbia


Susan,

On the premise that fat tissue is less metabolically active than is lean
tissue, I use the following method to determine adjusted body weight (abw).


        Actual weight minus ideal (or desirable) weight times 25%

        Add this number to the ideal (or desirable) weight

Once you have this abw, you may calculate energy requirements as you
normally would, either by using Harris Benedict or any other of the several
formulae available.

The best reference I can put my hands on with short notice is Whitney, et
al. "Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition", 4ed. West (1994).  page
554ff.

Nancy R. Hudson, MS, RD
Program Director, Dietetics
University of California
Department of Nutritional Sciences
119 Morgan Hall
Berkeley, CA 94720-3104
510/642-4090 (phone)  510/642-0535 (fax)