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We examined the influence of age and habitual physical exercise level on resting metabolic rate (RMR) and thermic effect of a meal test (TEM) by studying sedentary and physically active younger and older men. RMR was measured using a ventilated hood and TEM for 180 min after ingestion of a liquid meal. RMR, adjusted for fat-free weight (FFW) and percent body fat, was lower in sedentary older men relative to the other three groups. TEM (kcal.180 min-1) was highest in active younger (77.3 +/- 3.7) and active older men (69.8 +/- 7.0) relative to sedentary younger (53.1 +/- 4.0) and sedentary older men (51.5 +/- 6.9). TEM was not related to age or body composition. A sedentary life style in older men may be associated with a lower RMR, independent of FFW and percent body fat, relative to younger men and older men who regularly exercise. Participation in physical exercise, regardless of age, is associated with a higher TEM.
Poehlman et al. (Fri,) studied this question.