DETERMINANTS OF DECLINE IN RESTING METABOLIC-RATE IN AGING FEMALES

We considered the association of several metabolic and lifestyle variables as modulators of the decline in resting metabolic rate (RMR) and fat-free weight (FFW) in 183 healthy females (18-81 yr). RMR showed a curvilinear decline with age, which was significant in women aged 51-81 yr but not in women aged 18-50 yr. FFW showed a curvilinear decline with age, which was significant (P < 0.01) in women 48-81 yr but not in women 18-47 yr. The decline in RMR was primarily associated with the loss of FFW (r2 = 72%), whereas the decline in FFW was explained primarily by differences in maximal 02 consumption (Vo2(max)), age, leisure time physical activity, and dietary protein intake (total r2 = 46%). We conclude that RMR and FFW showed a curvilinear decline with age which was accelerated beyond the middle-age years. Second, the age-related decline in RMR was primarily associated with the loss of FFW. Third, the loss of FFW was partially related to a decrement in VO2(max) and nutritional factors. Therapeutic interventions designed to increase VO2(max) by elevating physical activity may preserve fat-free weight and thus offset the decline of RMR in aging women.