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Genetic effect in resting and exercise metabolic rates
C Bouchard1, A Tremblay, A Nadeau
1Department of Medicine, Laval University, Ste-Foy, Québec, Canada.
Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Genetics significantly influence resting metabolic rate and the thermic effect of meals, with heritability estimates around 40-50%. Exercise energy cost also shows high heritability at lower intensities.
Area of Science:
- Human Physiology
- Genetics
- Metabolism
Background:
- Individual differences in energy expenditure impact weight management and metabolic health.
- Understanding the genetic contribution to metabolic traits is crucial for personalized health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the heritability of resting metabolic rate (RMR), the thermic effect of a meal (TEM), and exercise energy cost.
- To determine the genetic contribution to variations in glucose and insulin metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Twin and family studies (monozygotic and dizygotic twins, parent-child pairs) were used to assess heritability.
- Measurements included RMR, TEM after a carbohydrate meal, and submaximal cycle exercise energy cost.
- Fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels, as well as post-meal responses, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Heritability for RMR was approximately 40% after adjusting for covariates.
- Genetic factors accounted for 40-50% of the variation in TEM.
- High heritability (≥46%) was observed for exercise metabolic rate at low power outputs, diminishing at higher intensities.
- A significant genetic effect was found for fasting plasma glucose, but not for insulin or meal responses.
Conclusions:
- Genetics play a substantial role in individual differences in RMR and TEM.
- Heritability of energy expenditure during exercise is intensity-dependent.
- Genetic influences on fasting glucose levels are evident, but less so for insulin or acute metabolic responses to meals.