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A meta-analysis of the effects of exercise and/or dietary restriction on resting metabolic rate

European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology volume 71, pages 535–542 (1995)Cite this article

Abstract

A meta-analysis was used to examine the independent and interactive effects of dietary restriction, endurance exercise training and gender on resting metabolic rate (RMR). Sixty different group means (covering ≈ 650 subjects) were identified from the scientific literature and subjected to meta-analysis techniques. Collectively (i.e., all groups combined), body weight loss was greater (P < 0.05) for men (∼ 18 kg) than for women (∼ 12 kg). There were no statistically significant exercise training or gender effects on RMR during weight loss. Collectively (i.e., all groups combined), dietary restriction resulted in a − 0.59 kJ min−1 (∼ − 12%) decrease in RMR (P < 0.05). When normalized to body weight, RMR was reduced by less than 2% (P < 0.05). These data suggest that exercise training does not differentially affect RMR during diet-induced weight loss. In addition, decreases in resting metabolism appear to be proportional to the loss of the metabolically active tissue.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Education, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA

    Douglas L. Ballor

  2. Baltimore VA Medical Center, Division of Gerontology/GRECC, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

    Eric. T. Poehlman

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  1. Douglas L. Ballor
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  2. Eric. T. Poehlman
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Ballor, D.L., Poehlman, E.T. A meta-analysis of the effects of exercise and/or dietary restriction on resting metabolic rate. Eur J Appl Physiol 71, 535–542 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00238557

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00238557

Key words

  • Weight loss
  • Resting metabolic rate
  • Diet
  • Exercise training
  • Metabolism