Research

Energy balance

Averaging the middle three resting metabolic rate (RMR) measurements obtained via indirect calorimetry provides a significantly more reliable estimate of energy needs than a single measurement or averaging the initial/final measurements.

If you are measuring Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) using indirect calorimetry, do not rely on a single reading. To get an accurate number for calculating your daily energy needs, perform serial measurements (e.g., hourly). Discard the first reading, as the body is still adapting to the equipment. Average the middle few readings (e.g., the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th) to get the most reliable estimate of your true metabolic rate.

GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
RMR reliability was improved by averaging all measurements taken during the day, and maximum reliability was obtained by averaging the middle three RMR measurements.
Mindy L. Leff et al. · Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition · 1987

Why this rating

Controlled clinical study with repeated measures and statistical validation (ICC) on healthy adults, though small sample size (n=14).

Source

Resting Metabolic Rate: Measurement Reliability

Mindy L. Leff et al. · Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition · 1987

DOI 10.1177/0148607187011004354

cross_sectional · n=14Cited 53×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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