Metabolically active components of fat free mass and resting energy expenditure in nonobese adults

Resting energy expenditure (REE) and components of fat-free mass (FFM) were assessed in 26 healthy nonobese adults (13 males, 13 females). Detailed bo dy composition analyses were performed by the combined use of dual-energy X -ray absorptiometry (DEXA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and anthropometrics. We found close correlations between REE and FFMBIA (r = 0.92), muscle mass(DEXA) (r = 0.89), and sum o f internal organs(MRI) (r = 0.90). In a multiple stepwise regression analys is, FFMBIA alone explained 85% of the variance in REE (standard error of th e estimate 423 kJ/day). Including the sum of internal organs(MRI) into the model increased the r(2) to 0.89 with a Standard error of 381 kJ/day. With respect to individual organs, only skeletal muscle(DEXA) and liver mass(MRI ) significantly contributed to REE. Prediction of REE based on 1) individua l organ masses and 2) a constant metabolic rate per kilogram organ mass was very close to the measured REE, with a mean prediction error of 96 kJ/day. The very close agreement between measured and predicted REE argues against significant variations in specific REEs of individual organs. In conclusio n, the mass of internal organs contributes significantly to the variance in REE.