Estimating Energy Needs

This week, you read about estimating energy needs using the EER formulae, which you will need to use for your Dietary Analysis Project – Part II this week. Such EER formulae are complex equations that require correct application of the order of operations, so below is an explanation and an opportunity to calculate energy needs using these equations.

As a reminder, the equations are as follows:

Estimated Energy Requirements (EER)

Men: 662 – (9.53 x age in yrs) + PA x (15.91 x weight in kg + 539.6 x height in meters)

Use the following PA factors:

• 1.0 for sedentary
• 1.11 for low active
• 1. 25 for active
• 1.48 for very active

Women: 354 – (6.91 x age in yrs) + PA x (9.36 x weight in kg + 726 x height in meters)

Use the following PA factors:

• 1.0 for sedentary
• 1.12 for low active
• 1. 27 for active
• 1.45 for very active

To determine EER, you must first enter age, weight in kilograms, and height in meters into the equation. To convert weight in pounds to weight in kilograms, take weight in pounds and divide it by 2.2. To convert height in inches to height in meters, take height in inches and multiply it by .0254. Next, determine which PA factor is appropriate. For the quiz and the exam, you will not be required to convert weight and height into the correct units as correct units will already be provided and the PA factor will also be given.

Let’s practice!

Calculate EER for the following individual: John is a 28 year old male who is active, weighs 95 kg, and is 1.8 meters tall.

1. Correct insertion of values in the formula: 662 – 9.53 x 28 + 1.25 x (15.91 x 95 + 539.6 x 1.8)
2. Use correct Order of Operations! Take care of the parentheses first, multiplication takes priority over addition.
3. 662 – 9.53 x 28 + 1.25 x (1511.45 + 971.28)
4. 662 – 9.53 x 28 + 1.25 x 2482.73
5. Once the addition inside the parentheses is complete, multiplication takes priority over addition and subtraction and should be calculated from left to right.
6. 662 – 266.84 + 1.25 x 2482.73
7. 662 – 266.84 + 3103.41
8. Now, complete the equation by doing the addition and subtraction. Addition and subtraction have the same priority so the equation should be solved from left to right.
9. 395.16 + 3103.41
10. 3498.57

In the past, students have incorrectly given answers in negative numbers or in the millions. These numbers do not make sense, as we know that energy needs are typically in a 1600 – 3200 calorie range, depending on activity level. If you get an answer that is negative or extremely high, it is very likely that you did not use the correct order of operations.

Now, try one on your own and check your work against the steps provided below!

Jane is a 45 year old female who is sedentary, weights 65 kg, and is 1.65 meters tall.

Answer:         354 – 6.91 x 45 + 1 x (9.36 x 65 + 726 x 1.65)

354 – 6.91 x 45 + 1 x (608.4 + 1197.6)

354 – 6.91 x 45 + 1 x 1806.3

354 – 310.95 + 1806.3

43.05 + 1806.3

= 1849

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