Basal Energy Expenditure:
Harris-Benedict Equation

Estimate basal energy expenditure using the Harris-Benedict equations.

For men,
B.E.E. = 66.5 + (13.75 x kg) + (5.003 x cm) - (6.775 x age)

For women,
B.E.E. = 655.1 + (9.563 x kg) + (1.850 x cm) - (4.676 x age)

Total Caloric Requirements equal the B.E.E. multiplied by the sum of the stress and activity factors. Stress plus activity factors range from 1.2 to over 2.

• Harris J, Benedict F. A biometric study of basal metabolism in man. Washington D.C. Carnegie Institute of Washington. 1919.

Special thanks to Dr. T.K. Shiao, University of Kansas Medical Center, co-author of Electronic Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

Created: March 9, 2000
Revised: October 3, 2000