Resting metabolic rate in young Polynesian and Caucasian women.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether resting metabolic rate (RMR) differs between Caucasian and Polynesian women.


METHODS
Cross-sectional comparison.


METHODS
Eighty-two (42 Caucasian, 40 Polynesian) healthy women aged between 18 and 27 y.


METHODS
RMR (indirect calorimetry) and body composition (fat-free mass and fat mass derived from oxygen-18 dilution measurement of total body water).


RESULTS
RMR was similar in the Caucasian (6956 +/- 1291 (s.d.) kJ/d) and Polynesian (7125 +/- 1290 kJ/d) groups while fat-free mass was significantly lower in the Caucasian group (45.3 +/- 6.8 vs 51.0 +/- 6.4 kg, P < 0.002). After adjustment for fat-free mass and fat mass, RMR was lower in the Polynesian than the Caucasian groups (6783 +/- 904 vs 7281 +/- 901 kJ/d, P = 0.023).


CONCLUSIONS
The significantly lower relative RMR observed in Polynesian compared to Caucasian women may predispose Polynesian women to eventual onset of obesity.
Rush
E C
EC
Department of Applied Science, Auckland Institute of Technology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Plank
L D
LD
Robinson
S M
SM
D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D001481:Basal Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D001823:Body Composition; D001824:Body Constitution; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand / Q000208:ethnology; D044465:White People