Exercise reverses depressed metabolic rate produced by severe caloric restriction.
The effects of caloric restriction and exercise on resting metabolic rate (RMR) were studied in five obese humans. Subjects consumed a 500 kcal.d-1 diet for 4 wk, with the subjects remaining sedentary during the first 2 wk and then exercising 30 min daily at 60% VO2max during the last 2 wk of caloric restriction. After 2 wk of dieting, RMR decreased to approximately 87% of the pre-dieting control value. Over the last 2 wk of dieting with the addition of daily exercise, the fall in RMR was reversed as it returned to the pre-dieting level. In summary, daily exercise reversed the drop in RMR associated with severe caloric restriction.
Molé
P A
PA
Department of Physical Education, University of California, Davis 95616.
Stern
J S
JS
Schultz
C L
CL
Bernauer
E M
EM
Holcomb
B J
BJ
D000328:Adult; D001481:Basal Metabolism; D001835:Body Weight; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007590:Jogging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D013550:Swimming; D014891:Weight Lifting