Variations in resting metabolic rates of men in Antarctica

The resting metabolic rates (RMR) of 6 men was determined monthly for 12 consecutive months, at Rothera Base, Antarctica (67 degrees 34'S, 68 degrees 07'W). Body weight and body composition were also recorded. Metabolic rates were within the range of those found in past polar studies, and of young men in the UK, but varied considerably from month to month. The RMR had a mean range of 30% (p less than 0.01), with individual ranges of up to 38%. Mean RMR was high in spring, summer and autumn, and low in winter. While these patterns appeared to be associated with a well defined annual cycle of activity, variations could not be correlated with periods of intense activity, individually or for the group.