Maximal fat oxidation rate is higher in fit women and unfit women with obesity, compared to normal weight unfit women

Introduction Maximal fat oxidation rate (MFO) is higher in aerobically fit vs. unfit young men, but this training related increase in MFO is attenuated in middle-aged men. Further, it has also been found that unfit men with obesity may have an elevated MFO compared to unfit normal-weight men. Aim/hypothesis Based hereupon, we aimed to investigate whether a fitness related higher MFO were attenuated in middle-aged women compared to young women. Also, we aimed to investigate if unfit women with obesity have a higher MFO compared to unfit normal-weight women. We hypothezised that the training related elevated MFO was attenuated in middle-aged women, but that unfit women with obesity would have an elevated MFO compared to unfit normal-weight women. Methods We recruited a total of 70 women stratified into six groups: Young fit (n=12), young unfit (n=12) middle-aged fit (n=12), middle-aged unfit (n=12), unfit young women with obesity (n=12) and unfit middle-aged women with obesity (n=10). Body composition and resting blood samples were obtained and MFO was measured by a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer via indirect calorimetry. Subsequently, a maximal exercise test was performed to establish VO2peak. Results Young and middle-aged fit women had a higher MFO compared to age-matched unfit women, and young fit women had a higher MFO compared to fit middle-aged women. Unfit women with obesity, independent of age, had a higher MFO compared to their normal-weight and unfit counterparts. Conclusion The training related increase in MFO seems maintained in middle-aged women and secondly, we find that unfit women with obesity, independent of age have a higher MFO compared to unfit normal-weight women.