Resting metabolic rate in young Polynesian and Caucasian women

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.