Am J Clin Nutr. 1980 Nov;33(11):2372-4.
A multiple regression analysis of several factors influencing basal
metabolic rate (BMR) was performed using data for 223 subjects from the
classic metabolism studies published by Harris and Benedict in 1919. These
data had previously been analyzed by Kleiber using metabolic body size, the
three-fourths power of body mass, as a predictor of BMR. His prediction
equations were separated by sex and each contained components for age and
height. Factors in the present analysis included sex, age, height, body
mass, and estimated lean body mass (LBM). Lean body mass was found to be the
single predictor of BMR. A best estimate prediction equation: BMR(cal/day) =
500 + 22 (LBM) is proposed. The previously presumed influences of sex and
age are shown to add little to this estimation.