Which equation would be least applicable for estimating caloric needs of sedentary individuals?

The Cunningham Lean Mass Equation is specifically designed to estimate caloric needs based on an individual's lean body mass, which can make it less applicable for sedentary individuals. This equation focuses primarily on individuals aiming to optimize body composition or engage in physical training, thereby factoring in muscle mass and its influence on metabolism.

Sedentary individuals are typically less engaged in physical activity, and their caloric needs can be sufficiently estimated using equations that take into account basal metabolic rate (BMR) without focusing on lean body mass. The Mifflin-St Jeor and Harris-Benedict equations provide a broader estimation of caloric needs based solely on weight, height, age, and sex, making them more suitable for the examination of sedentary lifestyle requirements. The Katch-McArdle Equation, while also involving body composition, can still be applied to various activity levels but is more tailored towards individuals with known body fat percentages.

In summary, the Cunningham Lean Mass Equation is less applicable for sedentary individuals as it tailors caloric needs too specifically to those with active lifestyles or particular body composition goals.