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Resting metabolic rate in young Polynesian and Caucasian women

International Journal of Obesity volume 21, pages 1071–1075 (1997)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether resting metabolic rate (RMR) differs between Caucasian and Polynesian women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparison. SUBJECTS: Eighty-two (42 Caucasian, 40 Polynesian) healthy women aged between 18 and 27 y. MEASUREMENTS: 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). CONCLUSION: The significantly lower relative RMR observed in Polynesian compared to Caucasian women may predispose Polynesian women to eventual onset of obesity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Science, Auckland Institute of Technology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    EC Rush

  2. Department of Surgery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    LD Plank

  3. Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    SM Robinson

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  1. EC Rush
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  2. LD Plank
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  3. SM Robinson
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Rush, E., Plank, L. & Robinson, S. Resting metabolic rate in young Polynesian and Caucasian women. Int J Obes 21, 1071–1075 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0800518

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0800518

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