Compare the resting metabolic rate status in the healthy metabolically obese with the unhealthy metabolically obese participants

Abstract

Background: Metabolic abnormalities are usually linked with obesity; however, all obese people may not be affected by this condition. It has been indicated that obese people with higher resting metabolic rate (RMR) had an overall better metabolic profile than observed in those with low RMR. This study aimed to compare the RMR status of metabolically healthy (MHO) and unhealthy obese (MUHO). Design: Cross-sectional sample of 226 obese women (BMI > 30 kg/m2) aged 17–69 years participated in the study. Participants were classified as MHO and MUHO. Metabolic health status was defined using Karelis definition. Metabolic profile, RMR, and body composition were examined. Result: MHO participants showed more favorable lipid profile, had reduced insulin resistance and lower total fat percentage and fat mass. RMR per BMI was 25% higher in the MHO group compared to the MUHO subjects. Interestingly by adding RMR/kg in the binary regression model for finding the modulatory role of RMR on the Karelis criteria, no significant difference was observed anymore regarding the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) between the MHO and MUHO participants. Conclusion: In this study we did not observe any major effects of RMR on metabolic health criteria except for the HOMA. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of RMR on glucose abnormalities that may lead to modify cardio-metabolic criteria.

Keywords

• Resting metabolic rate
• Obesity
• Metabolic health criteria