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Genetic effects in human energy expenditure components.
1Physical Activity Sciences Laboratory, Laval University, Ste-Foy, Québec, Canada.
International Journal of Obesity
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Human genetics significantly influences energy expenditure, with heredity explaining approximately 40% of variations in resting metabolic rate and exercise costs. This genetic effect also impacts physical activity levels and responses to dietary changes.
Area of Science:
- Human genetics
- Metabolic research
- Exercise physiology
Background:
- Human energy expenditure exhibits significant inter-individual variability.
- Established factors like diet and activity levels do not fully account for these differences.
- The role of genetic predisposition in energy expenditure is an emerging area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the heritability of human energy expenditure components.
- To explore genotype-environment interactions influencing energy balance.
- To quantify the genetic contribution to resting metabolic rate, diet-induced thermogenesis, and exercise energy cost.
Main Methods:
- Application of genetic epidemiology techniques.
- Analysis of variance in energy expenditure components.
- Investigation of responses to controlled overfeeding and negative energy balance.
Main Results:
- Inherited characteristics explain approximately 40% of the variance in resting metabolic rate, thermic effect of food, and exercise energy cost.
- A significant genetic influence was found on habitual physical activity levels.
- Genotype modulates the body's response to chronic overfeeding and negative energy balance.
Conclusions:
- Heredity plays a substantial role in determining individual differences in human energy expenditure.
- Genetic factors influence various components of energy expenditure, including resting metabolism and physical activity.
- Future research should identify specific genetic and molecular markers associated with energy expenditure traits.