presented on May 4. 1995. Title: Comparison of Resting Metabolic Rate and Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption in Normal and Low Calorie Dieting Females

There is a substantial body of evidence which supports the finding that caloric restriction results in a lowering of resting metabolic rate (RMR). Conflicting findings have been reported on the impact aerobic exercise may have in negating or even reversing this decline. It is widely believed that a combination of caloric deficit and exercise will accelerate weight/fat loss and prevent the decline of RMR. Some investigations, however, suggest that the effects of severe caloric restriction in tandem with moderate amounts of aerobic exercise may exacerbate the decline in RMR. The purpose of this study was to compare the resting metabolic rate and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) in active, normal calorie (NC) and low calorie (LC) dieting females. Fifteen females between the ages of 18 and 25 were selected through their responses to questionnaires on diet and exercise habits, and were assigned to one of two groups based on their average daily caloric intake and exercise volume. Subjects assigned to the NC group ate a minimum of 1700 kcals day-1. Subjects in the LC group consumed an estimated 1200 kcals day-1 or less. Both groups of subjects engaged i