Basal Energy Expenditure (Mifflin–St Jeor)

What this tool does

The Mifflin–St Jeor equation is commonly used to estimate resting energy expenditure in adults when indirect calorimetry is unavailable.

Equations

Men: 10×weight(kg) + 6.25×height(cm) − 5×age + 5 Women: 10×weight(kg) + 6.25×height(cm) − 5×age − 161

Reference

Mifflin MD, St Jeor ST, Hill LA, Scott BJ, Daugherty SA, Koh YO. A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals. Am J Clin Nutr. 1990;51(2):241-247.

Limitations

Does not replace indirect calorimetry in ICU, pregnancy equations, or pediatric Schofield/WHO estimates. Stress multipliers (sepsis, burns, trauma) are applied separately in practice.

Use in care

• Combine with protein targets and fluid status; avoid using a single number as a rigid prescription without monitoring.
• Reassess after major weight change or clinical status change.