The Cardiovascular
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Basal energy expenditure (Harris-Benedict)

Estimates resting caloric requirements from weight, height, age and sex.

Basal energy expenditure (Harris-Benedict)
Sex
Weight
Height
Age
years
Complete the fields above to see the result.

When to use

  • Estimating baseline caloric requirements before applying activity and injury/stress factors for nutrition planning.

Formula

Men: BEE = 66.4730 + 13.7516 x weight(kg) + 5.0033 x height(cm) - 6.7550 x age(y). Women: BEE = 655.0955 + 9.5634 x weight(kg) + 1.8496 x height(cm) - 4.6756 x age(y).

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Original 1919 coefficients tend to overestimate needs in obese and critically ill patients; indirect calorimetry is preferred when available.
  • Multiply BEE by a stress/activity factor (commonly 1.2-2.0) to estimate total energy expenditure.

References

  1. Harris JA, Benedict FG. A biometric study of basal metabolism in man. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1918;4(12):370-373.
  2. Roza AM, Shizgal HM. The Harris Benedict equation reevaluated: resting energy requirements and the body cell mass. Am J Clin Nutr. 1984;40(1):168-182.