Abstract
Despite considerable research, the question of whether obese individuals are more metabolically efficient than their nonobese counterparts has not been conclusively answered. This paper examines the research on energy expenditure in obesity, particularly the resting metabolic rate (RMR). Because of the paucity of research using obese males as subjects, the paper focuses on obese females. Absolute RMR has been found to be higher in obese than in nonobese women, RMR per kg fat-free mass is often similar between the groups, and RMR per kg body weight is typically lower in the obese. Formerly obese women often have reduced energy requirements, suggesting a degree of energy efficiency. Factors that affect energy expenditure, and which might account for the lack of consistent findings in RMR studies of the obese, are discussed. These include (a) diet and exercise, (b) genetics, (c) age of obesity onset, and (d) the composition of body weight. Implications for research are presented.
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