Short Communication
Renee JR
Abstract
Background: Energy expenditure is commonly expressed in multiples of the resting metabolic equivalent task (MET), with 1 MET estimated to be equivalent to 3.5 ml/kg/min or 0.250 L/min of oxygen consumption. This investigation examined whether the estimated resting oxygen consumption used to express a MET was significantly different than measured resting oxygen consumption in overweight, obese class I, and obese class II subjects. Methods: Forty-five (age: 37.5±10.5, BMI: 32.4±3.5) overweight (N=11), Class I (N=21), or Class II (N=13) obese subjects participated in this study. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was assessed on two separate days. Following a 30-minute supine resting period in a semidarkened room, REE was assessed using the dilution technique. Data were expressed as relative (ml/kg/min) and absolute (L/min) oxygen consumption. Results: Relative oxygen consumption (3.0±0.6 ml/kg/min,) Relative oxygen consumption.