Maximal oxygen consumption is positively associated with resting metabolic rate and better body composition profile

Abstract Aims It was investigated that regular exercise improves cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and lean body mass (LBM). Considering the effect of CRF on LBM as factors influencing resting metabolic rate (RMR), there might be a relation between CRF and RMR. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between CRF and RMR among Iranian adults. Methods 271 subjects participated in this study. Body composition (multi-frequency bio-impedance), RMR (indirect calorimetry), Maximal oxygen consumption (Bruce protocol) was measured. Student’s t-test test and χ2 analysis were performed to compare two groups of RMR and also RER. Polynomial model fit was also obtained to assess departure from linearity. Results Participants with higher RMR had significantly higher VO2max (34.44±8.47 vs. 29.94±7.16, P Conclusion We found a positive association between VO2max and RMR with a better body composition profile. Therefore, enhancing VO2max which shows the better CRF may be recommended as a strategy to prevent obesity prevalence and effective weight loss program.