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Lean male high- and low-fat phenotypes—different routes for achieving energy balance

International Journal of Obesity volume 24, pages 1561–1566 (2000)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated how energy expenditure may contribute to energy balance in lean male individuals consuming a diet either high or low in fat.

METHODS: Fifteen high-fat phenotypes (HF) and 15 low-fat phenotypes (LF) participated in the study. Energy intake and macronutrient intake variables were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and 3 day food diaries. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was estimated from 24 h heart rate monitoring and factorial methods. Habitual physical activity was measured using the Baecke questionnaire.

RESULTS: There were no anthropometric differences between HF and LF. HF had a significantly higher heart rate over 24 h; this was particularly evident during the sleeping phase. There were no differences in TEE between HF and LF, but HF were more sedentary than LF.

CONCLUSIONS: In these young male subjects a high fat intake was associated with increased sedentariness; however, higher heart rates (basal and post-meal) could indicate that energy balance was achieved by relatively high basal metabolism and an increase in dietary-induced themogenesis (physiological route). In contrast LF could maintain energy balance through relatively high levels of physical activity (behavioural route).

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  1. BioPyschology Group, School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

    J Cooling & JE Blundell

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  2. JE Blundell
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Correspondence to J Cooling.

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Cooling, J., Blundell, J. Lean male high- and low-fat phenotypes—different routes for achieving energy balance. Int J Obes 24, 1561–1566 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0801499

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