[Basal metabolic rate and energy expenditure in the elderly].

The purpose of this study was to investigate energy requirements in healthy elderly subjects. Total daily energy expenditure (TEE) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) were measured by the doubly labeled water technique and indirect calorimetry in 36 healthy free living elderly men and women. Over a 15 day period additional measurements were made of dietary intake, physical activity and body composition. TEE did not differ between women and men (2941+/-439 vs 2965+/-543 kcal/d; p=ns), ranging from 2124 to 3968 kcal/d. Resting metabolic rate was significantly lower in women compared to men (1345+/-194 vs 1543+/-303 kcal/d; p=0.016). The TEE data were compared to the food diaries. Women and men underestimated their food intake significantly. TEE varies greatly within elderly subjects due to the variation in body weight and physical activity.