Abstrakt
The research aim was to verify the theoretic energy requirement of young women and to
calculate correlations between body mass index (BMI) and energy requirement, on the one hand, and
the parameters obtained from bioelectrical impedance analysis on the other. The study was conducted
in a group of 32 women grouped based on their BMI: underweight n = 8, normal weight n = 15, and
overweight n = 9. Predictive formulas were observed to underestimate the energy requirement
compared to values obtained with the use of ergospirometry. The smallest difference in Resting Energy
Expenditure (REE) estimates using an ergospirometry apparatus was observed for the Cunningham
equation (underweight: 1507 vs 1350 kcal) and the Harris-Benedict equation (normal weight: 1641 vs
1437 kcal; overweight: 1882 vs 1609 kcal). A significant statistical correlation was recorded in the
juxtaposition of BMI to weight in the normal weight and in the overweight group. REE estimation based
on formulas has only limited predictive value. Indirect calorimetry is recommended for measuring the
REE rather than predictive equations.