Variations of dietary-induced thermogenesis and body fatness with aerobic capacity

Resting metabolic rate (RMR), dietary thermogenesis (DIT), aerobic capacity (VO2 max), and percent body fat were measured in a group of sixteen women and ten men. DIT was significantly positively correlated with aerobic capacity (r = 0.658). Percent body fat was significantly negatively correlated with VO2 max (r = -0.727). RMR was independent of VO2 max, or body fatness, but women had a significantly higher average RMR than men. Three men and three women participated in an endurance training program which significantly increased VO2 max. DIT was increased in proportion to the increase in aerobic capacity (rs - 0.924), RMR was unchanged, and body fat decreased in males but not females. The controversy surrounding "luxuskonsumption" may stem in part from not taking into account individual differences in aerobic capacity when measuring DIT.