Chiyoko Usui

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In recent times, the complexity of food styles and meal content has increased, leading to significant variations in macronutrient composition between meals. This phenomenon has coincided with a rise in obesity rates. We aimed to determine whether a large variation in macronutrient composition between meals results in reduced fat oxidation. METHODS: A cross-over study was conducted with 13 healthy young men, using whole-body indirect calorimetry to test 24-h energy metabolic responses under three conditions: regular meals (R), high-carbohydrate breakfast (CB), or high-fat breakfast (FB), each with different macronutrient contents. The R condition included three meals daily with the same macronutrient composition. The CB condition included a high-carbohydrate meal at breakfast, high-fat meal at lunch, and high-carbohydrate meal at dinner. The FB condition included a high-fat meal at breakfast, high-carbohydrate meal at lunch, and high-carbohydrate meal at dinner. The daily macronutrient compositions were similar across the three conditions, except that CB and FB had larger variations in carbohydrate-fat balance between meals than R. The participants were tested in random order. During the dietary intervention, we compared 24-h whole-body metabolic parameters, including substrate oxidation (e.g., 24 h respiratory quotient [RQ]). RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the measures of energy expenditure among the three conditions. However, after adjusting for the sleeping RQ on a preceding day, the estimated 24hRQ was lower under the FB condition (0.845) than under the R (0.854, P = 0.0077 vs. FB) and CB conditions (0.853, P = 0.016 vs. FB). No difference was observed in the magnitude of the 5-h RQ change from lunch to dinner under the CB condition and in the magnitude of change from breakfast to lunch under the FB condition. CONCLUSIONS: A large variation in the carbohydrate-fat balance between meals does not decrease daily fat oxidation. An FB may increase daily fat oxidation compared to a CB when the daily food quotient is constant, but this increase may not be owing to the upregulation of fat burning on a daily basis.

ABSTRACT Purpose This study estimated an individual's genetic liability to cardiometabolic risk factors by polygenic risk score (PRS) construction and examined whether high cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) modifies the association between PRS and cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 1,296 Japanese adults aged ≥40 years. The PRS for each cardiometabolic trait (blood lipids, glucose, hypertension, and obesity) was calculated using the LDpred2 and clumping and thresholding methods. Participants were divided into low-, intermediate-, and high-PRS groups according to PRS tertiles for each trait. CRF was quantified as peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak) per kg body weight. Participants were divided into low-, intermediate-, and high-CRF groups according to the tertile VO₂peak value. Results Linear regression analysis revealed a significant interaction between PRS for triglyceride (PRS_TG) and CRF groups on serum TG levels regardless of the PRS calculation method, and attenuated the association between PRS_TG and TG levels in the high-CRF group. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant sub-additive interaction between LDpred2 PRS_TG and CRF on the prevalence of high TG, indicating that high CRF attenuated the genetic predisposition to high TG. Furthermore, a significant sub-additive interaction between PRS for body mass index and CRF on obesity was detected regardless of the PRS calculation method. These significant interaction effects on high TG and obesity were diminished in the sensitivity analysis using VO₂peak per kg fat-free mass as the CRF index. Effects of PRSs for other cardiometabolic traits were not significantly attenuated in the high-CRF group regardless of PRS calculation methods. Conclusions The findings of the present study suggest that individuals with high CRF overcome the genetic predisposition to high TG levels and obesity.

Abstract Aging is the greatest risk factor for numerous diseases and mortality, and establishing geroprotective interventions targeting aging is required. Previous studies have suggested that healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, are associated with delayed biological aging; however, these associations depend on nationality and sex. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns identified through principal component analysis and biological aging in older men of Japan, one of the countries with the longest life expectancies. Principal component analysis identified two dietary patterns: a healthy Japanese dietary pattern and a Western-style dietary pattern. Eight epigenetic clocks, some of the most accurate aging biomarkers, were identified using DNA methylation data from whole-blood samples. Correlation analyses revealed that healthy Japanese dietary patterns were significantly negatively or positively correlated with multiple epigenetic age accelerations (AgeAccel), including AgeAccelGrim, FitAgeAccel, and age-adjusted DNAm-based telomere length (DNAmTLAdjAge). Conversely, the Western-style dietary pattern showed no significant correlation with any of the examined epigenetic AgeAccels or age-adjusted values. After adjusting for confounders, the healthy Japanese dietary pattern remained significantly negatively correlated with AgeAccelPheno and AgeAccelGrim and positively correlated with DNAmTLAdjAge. These findings suggest that a Western-style dietary pattern is not associated with biological aging, whereas a healthy Japanese dietary pattern is associated with delayed biological aging in older Japanese men. Our findings provide evidence that healthy dietary patterns may have beneficial effects on delayed biological aging in older Japanese men.

Abstract DNA methylation-based age estimators (DNAm aging clocks) are currently one of the most promising biomarkers for predicting biological age. However, the relationships between objectively measured physical fitness, including cardiorespiratory fitness, and DNAm aging clocks are largely unknown. We investigated the relationships between physical fitness and the age-adjusted value from the residuals of the regression of DNAm aging clock to chronological age (DNAmAgeAcceleration: DNAmAgeAccel) and attempted to determine the relative contribution of physical fitness variables to DNAmAgeAccel in the presence of other lifestyle factors. DNA samples from 144 Japanese men aged 65–72 years were used to calculate first- (i.e., DNAmHorvath and DNAmHannum) and second- (i.e., DNAmPhenoAge, DNAmGrimAge and DNAmFitAge) generation DNAm aging clocks. Various surveys and measurements were conducted, including physical fitness, body composition, blood biochemical parameters, nutrients intake, smoking, alcohol consumption, disease status, sleep status, and chronotype. The peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak) per kg body weight had a significant negative correlation with GrimAgeAccel (r= -0.222,p= 0.008). A comparison of the tertile groups showed that the GrimAgeAccel of the highest VO_2peakgroup was decelerated by 1.6 years compared to the lowest group (p= 0.035). Multiple regression analysis suggested that rather than physical fitness, serum triglycerides, carbohydrate intake, and smoking status, were significantly associated with DNAmAgeAccel. In conclusion, the contribution of cardiorespiratory fitness to DNAmAgeAccel was relatively low compared to lifestyle factors such as smoking. However, this study reveals a negative relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and DNAmAgeAccel in older men.

Abstract Few studies have examined the association between coffee consumption and muscle mass; their results are conflicting. Therefore, we examined the association between coffee consumption and low muscle mass prevalence. We also performed an exploratory investigation of the potential effect modification by demographic, health status-related, and physical activity-related covariates. This cross-sectional study included 2085 adults aged 40–87 years. The frequency of coffee consumption was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Muscle mass was assessed as appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height² using a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analyser. We defined low muscle mass using cut-offs recommended by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for low muscle mass prevalence were estimated using a logistic regression model. The prevalence of low muscle mass was 5.4% (n = 113). Compared with the lowest coffee consumption group (<1 cup/week), the multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of low muscle mass prevalence were 0.62 (0.30, 1.29) for 1–3 cups/week, 0.53 (0.29, 0.96) for 4–6 cups/week or 1 cup/day, and 0.28 (0.15, 0.53) for ≥2 cups/day (P for trend <0.001). There were no significant interactions among the various covariates after Bonferroni correction. In conclusion, coffee consumption may be inversely associated with low muscle mass prevalence.

Although many studies have reported that a posteriori dietary pattern is associated with metabolic health, there is little evidence of an association between dietary patterns and different metabolic phenotypes. The present study aimed to examine the association between major dietary patterns and different metabolic phenotypes (metabolically healthy non-obese [MHNO], metabolically unhealthy non-obese [MUNO], metabolically healthy obese [MHO], and metabolically unhealthy obese [MUO]) in middle-aged and elderly Japanese adults. This cross-sectional study enrolled 2,170 Japanese adults aged ≥40 years. The four different metabolic phenotypes were determined based on the presence of obesity, abdominal obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. The major dietary patterns were determined using principal component analysis based on energy-adjusted food intake. Two dietary patterns were identified: the healthy dietary pattern, which was characterized by a high intake of vegetables, fruits, potatoes, soy products, mushrooms, seaweeds, and fish; and the alcohol dietary pattern, which was characterized by a high intake of alcoholic beverages, liver, chicken, and fish. The healthy dietary pattern was associated with the MHNO and MHO phenotypes (MUNO and MUO as reference groups, respectively), and the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) in the highest quartile of healthy dietary pattern score with the lowest quartile as the reference category were 2.10 (1.40-3.15) and 1.86 (1.06-3.25), respectively. Conversely, the alcohol dietary pattern was inversely associated with the MHNO and MHO phenotypes, while the multivariate-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) in the highest quartile of the alcohol dietary pattern score with the lowest quartile as the reference category were 0.63 (0.42-0.94) and 0.45 (0.26-0.76), respectively. There were no significant interactions between sex and healthy/alcohol dietary patterns in the prevalence of the MHNO and MHO phenotypes. In conclusion, the present study's findings suggest that major dietary patterns are associated with different metabolic phenotypes in middle-aged and elderly Japanese adults. These findings provide useful evidence for maintaining metabolic health through diet regardless of obesity status.

The association between a dietary pattern characterised by high alcohol intake and dyslipidaemia has not been fully investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between alcohol dietary patterns and the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and its components. This cross-sectional study enrolled 2,171 men and women aged ≥40 years who were alumni of a Japanese university. To identify dietary patterns, a principal component analysis was performed based on the energy-adjusted food intake estimated by a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Three dietary patterns were identified, the second of which was named the alcohol dietary pattern and was characterised by a high intake of alcoholic beverages, liver, chicken, and fish. This alcohol dietary pattern was associated with reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. The fully adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of high LDL-C for the lowest through highest quartile of alcohol dietary pattern score were 1.00 (reference), 0.83 (0.64-1.08), 0.84 (0.64-1.10), and 0.68 (0.49- 0.94), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the alcohol dietary pattern was inversely associated with the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in women, whereas it was positively associated with high triglyceride levels in men. In conclusion, the alcohol dietary pattern, characterised by a high intake of alcoholic beverages, liver, chicken, and fish, was associated with the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and its components. This finding provides useful information for the prevention and treatment of dyslipidaemia by modifying the diet.

Previous studies have not investigated the determinants of resting oxidative stress, including physical fitness, as it relates to redox regulation. The present study therefore was aimed at identifying lifestyle and biological factors that determine resting oxidative stress, including objectively measured physical fitness. In 873 middle-aged and elderly men and women, age and anthropometric parameters, lifestyle-related parameters, medication and supplementation status, physical fitness, biochemical parameters, and nutritional intake status, as well as three plasma oxidative stress markers: protein carbonyl (PC), F2-isoprostane (F2-IsoP), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), were surveyed and measured. The determinants of PC, F2-IsoP, and TBARS in all participants were investigated using stepwise multiple regression analysis. In PC, age (β = -0.11, P = 0.002), leg extension power (β = -0.12, P = 0.008), BMI (β = 0.12, P = 0.004), and HDL-C (β = 0.08, P = 0.040) were included in the regression model (adjusted R 2 = 0.018). In the F2-IsoP, smoking status (β = 0.07, P = 0.060), BMI (β = 0.07, P = 0.054), and HbA1c (β = -0.06, P = 0.089) were included in the regression model (adjusted R 2 = 0.006). In TBARS, glucose (β = 0.18, P < 0.001), CRF (β = 0.16, P < 0.001), age (β = 0.15, P < 0.001), TG (β = 0.11, P = 0.001), antioxidant supplementation (β = 0.10, P = 0.002), and HbA1c (β = -0.13, P = 0.004) were included in the regression model (adjusted R 2 = 0.071). In conclusion, the present study showed that age, anthropometric index, lifestyle-related parameters, medication and supplementation status, objectively measured physical fitness, biochemical parameters, and nutritional intake status explain less than 10% of oxidative stress at rest.

AIM: To re-evaluate the suitability of calf circumference as a surrogate marker of low muscle mass measured by both bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We also examined the effects of obesity and age on low muscle mass screening using calf circumference. METHODS: In total, 1239 adults participated in this cross-sectional study. We measured the maximum calf circumference in a standing position and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) using BIA and DXA. We defined low muscle mass based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 consensus. RESULTS: Calf circumference was positively correlated with BIA-measured ASM/height2 (men: r = 0.81, women: r = 0.73) and DXA-measured ASM/height2 (men: r = 0.78, women: r = 0.76). In the subgroup analyses by obesity and age, calf circumference was also positively correlated with ASM/height2 . The optimal calf circumference cut-offs for low muscle mass screening measured by BIA and DXA were 35 cm (sensitivity 91%, specificity 84%) and 36 cm (sensitivity 82%, specificity 80%) for men, and 33 cm (sensitivity 82%, specificity 84%) and 34 cm (sensitivity 85%, specificity 72%) for women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Calf circumference is positively correlated with BIA- and DXA-measured muscle mass regardless of obesity and age and is a simple and accurate surrogate marker of muscle mass for diagnosing sarcopenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 943-950.

The relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measurements not confounded by adiposity and the prevalence of pre-diabetes mellitus (pre-DM) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are not well known. Thus, we aimed to investigate the associations of visceral fat (VF) and CRF with the prevalence of pre-DM/DM among Japanese adults. The study included 970 individuals (327 women and 643 men) who were 40-87 years old and had complete health examinations, abdominal fat area, and fitness data from WASEDA'S Health Study during 2015-2018. The VF area was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. CRF was measured using a cycle ergometer and was defined as VO2peak divided by fat free mass. The pre-DM/DM was identified based on the questionnaire and fasting blood tests. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for prevalence of pre-DM/DM were calculated. Seventy-three participants had pre-DM and 48 participants had DM. Compared to the low VF group, the high VF group had a higher prevalence of pre-DM/DM (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.18-2.96), although no significant relationship was observed between CRF and pre-DM/DM prevalence (P for trend = 0.239). The sub-group analyses also revealed no significant relationship between CRF and pre-DM/DM prevalence in the low VF group (P for trend = 0.979), although CRF values were inversely related to the prevalence of pre-DM/DM in the high VF group (P for trend = 0.024). Although CRF was not independently related to the prevalence of pre-DM/DM after adjusting for adiposity, higher VF values were related to a higher prevalence of pre-DM/DM. In addition, CRF levels were inversely associated with the prevalence of pre-DM/DM only among high VF individuals.

BACKGROUND: Heart rate (HR) during physical activity is strongly affected by the level of physical fitness. Therefore, to assess the effects of fitness, we developed predictive equations to estimate the metabolic equivalent (MET) of daily activities, which includes low intensity activities, by % HR reserve (%HRR), resting HR, and multiple physical characteristics. METHODS: Forty volunteers between the ages of 21 and 55 performed 20 types of daily activities while recording HR and sampling expired gas to evaluate METs values. Multiple regression analysis was performed to develop prediction models of METs with seven potential predictors, such as %HRR, resting HR, and sex. The contributing parameters were selected based on the brute force method. Additionally, leave-one-out method was performed to validate the prediction models. RESULTS: %HRR, resting HR, sex, and height were selected as the independent variables. %HRR showed the highest contribution in the model, while the other variables exhibited small variances. METs were estimated within a 17.3% difference for each activity, with large differences in document arrangement while sitting (+17%), ascending stairs (-8%), and descending stairs (+8%). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that %HRR is a strong predictor for estimating the METs of daily activities. Resting HR and other variables were mild contributors. (201 words).

This study examined the relationship between a healthy Japanese dietary pattern and micronutrient intake adequacy based on the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese 2015 (DRIs-J 2015) in men and women. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1418 men and 795 women aged 40-87 years, who participated in the Waseda Alumni's Sports, Exercise, Daily Activity, Sedentariness, and Health Study. Dietary patterns were derived from principal component analysis of the consumption of 52 food and beverage items, which were assessed by a validated brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Micronutrient intakes were quantified using the dietary reference intakes score (DRIs-score) for 21 micronutrients (based on DRIs-J 2015). The healthy dietary pattern score was significantly and positively correlated with the intakes of all 21 micronutrients used for constructing the DRIs-score in men and in women (each, p < 0.001). In both sexes, the healthy dietary pattern scores were strongly and positively associated with DRIs-scores (in men: ρ = 0.806, p < 0.001; in women: ρ = 0.868, p < 0.001), and the DRIs-scores reached a plateau around the highest tertile of the healthy dietary pattern score. These results indicate that a healthy Japanese dietary pattern is associated with adequate micronutrient intakes based on the DRIs-J 2015 in both men and women.

Background: An algorithm for the classification of ambulatory and non-ambulatory activities using the ratio of unfiltered to filtered synthetic acceleration measured with a triaxial accelerometer and predictive models for physical activity intensity (METs) in adults and in elementary school children has been developed. The purpose of the present study was to derive predictive equations for METs with a similar algorithm in young children. Methods: Thirty-seven healthy Japanese children (four- to six-years old) participated in this study. The five non-ambulatory activities including low-intensity activities, and five ambulatory activities were selected. The raw accelerations using a triaxial accelerometer and energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry using the Douglas bag method during each activity were collected. Results: For non-ambulatory activities, especially light-intensity non-ambulatory activities, linear regression equations with a predetermined intercept (0.9) or quadratic equations were a better fit than the linear regression. The equations were different from those for adults and elementary school children. On the other hand, the ratios of unfiltered to filtered synthetic acceleration in non-ambulatory activities were different from those in ambulatory activities, as in adults and elementary school children. Conclusions: Our calibration model for young children could accurately predict intensity of physical activity including low-intensity non-ambulatory activities.

<p></p><p>The primary aim of this study was to examine moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels in preschool children during indoor and outdoor free playing time and during preschool physical education (PE) classes. The secondary aim was to determine which types of PE lessons are the best for increasing the percentage of MVPA. Physical activity during free playing time and in lessons was objectively evaluated with a triaxial accelerometer in preschool boys and girls (n = 281). Minutes of physical activity were categorized into physical activity ratios (PAR). MVPA was defined as PAR ≥3.0. Time tables and PE lesson types were recorded using logs kept by class teachers. The percentage of MVPA in outdoor free playing time (38.9±16.3%) was significantly higher than that of indoor free playing time (12.6±10.1%, p<0.001). On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the percentage in MVPA in outdoor free playing time and the percentage in PE lessons (n=94: 38.0±19.4%vs. 34.9±15.8%, ns). After adjustment for gender, age, body height and weight and preschool, there were not significantly different the percentage of MVPA among contents of PE lessons. In conclusion, children engaged in almost 30~40% MVPA during outdoor free playing time or PE. The children also engaged MVPA during indoor free playing time.</p>

Background: A triaxial accelerometer with an algorithm that could discriminate locomotive and non-locomotive activities in adults has been developed. However, in the elderly, this accelerometer has not yet been validated. The aim were to examine the validity of this accelerometer in the healthy elderly, and to compare the results with those derived in a healthy younger sample. Methods: Twenty-nine healthy elderly subjects aged 60-80 years (Elderly), and 42 adults aged 20-59 years (Younger) participated. All subjects performed 11 activities, including locomotive and non-locomotive activities with a Douglas bag while wearing the accelerometer (Active style Pro HJA-750C). Physical activity intensities were expressed as metabolic equivalents (METs). The relationship between the METs measured using the Douglas bag and METs predicted using the accelerometer was evaluated. Results: A significant correlation between actual and predicted METs was observed in both Elderly (r=0.85, p<0.001) and Younger (r=0.88, p<0.001). Predicted METs significantly underestimated compared with actual METs in both groups (p<0.001). The mean of the errors was -0.6±0.6 METs in Elderly and -0.1±0.5 METs in Younger. The degree of underestimation increased with increasing METs in Elderly (p<0.001). A stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that predicted METs, age, and weight were related to actual METs in both groups. Conclusion: The degree of correlation between predicted and actual METs was comparable in elderly and younger participants, but the prediction errors were greater in elderly participants, particular at higher-intensity activities, which suggests that different predicting equations may be needed for the elderly.

Background: Meals, particularly carbohydrate intake, determine diurnal blood glucose (BG) excursions. However, the effect of meals with variable carbohydrate content on diurnal BG excursions remains poorly understood, despite routine consumption of meals that vary daily. Objective: The aim of this study was to verify our hypothesis that glycemic response is elevated when a meal with a higher carbohydrate content follows a meal with a lower carbohydrate content. Design: This was a secondary analysis of a study whose primary endpoint was energy metabolism (e.g., energy expenditure and substrate oxidation). This crossover study was designed to test BG responses to 3 types of meals with different macronutrient contents [regular meals (R), meals with a high-carbohydrate breakfast (CB), and meals with a high-fat breakfast (FB)] using a continuous glucose monitoring system. The R test included 3 meals/d with the same macronutrient composition; the CB test, a high-carbohydrate meal at breakfast, a high-fat meal at lunch, and a high-carbohydrate meal at dinner; and the FB test, a high-fat meal at breakfast, a high-carbohydrate meal at lunch, and a high-carbohydrate meal at dinner. Each test had similar daily macronutrient compositions, except CB and FB had larger variations in carbohydrate content than R. Fourteen healthy young men were tested in random order and underwent whole-body indirect calorimetry. Results: Daily peak BG concentrations were higher for the CB (mean ± SD: 143.9 ± 25.3 mg/dL) and FB (140.2 ± 24.8 mg/dL) conditions than for the R condition (127.5 ± 15.7 mg/dL). Postprandial BG peaks after a high-carbohydrate meal were ∼20 mg/dL higher when a previous meal was relatively high-fat than when not high-fat (P < 0.05 for all). A multiple regression analysis indicated that the postprandial glycemic response was negatively associated with the preprandial respiratory quotient. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that switching from high-fat to high-carbohydrate meals contributes to larger postprandial BG excursions, along with alterations in prioritization of carbohydrate utilization. This study was registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000028895.

BACKGROUND: Herein, an algorithm that can be used in wearable health monitoring devices to estimate metabolic equivalents (METs) based on physical activity intensity data, particularly for certain activities in daily life that make MET estimation difficult. RESULTS: Energy expenditure data were obtained from 42 volunteers using indirect calorimetry, triaxial accelerations and heart rates. The proposed algorithm used the percentage of heart rate reserve (%HRR) and the acceleration signal from the wearable device to divide the data into a middle-intensity group and a high-intensity group (HIG). The two groups were defined in terms of estimated METs. Evaluation results revealed that the classification accuracy for both groups was higher than 91%. To further facilitate MET estimation, five multiple-regression models using different features were evaluated via leave-one-out cross-validation. Using this approach, all models showed significant improvements in mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of METs in the HIG, which included stair ascent, and the maximum reduction in MAPE for HIG was 24% compared to the previous model (HJA-750), which demonstrated a 70.7% improvement ratio. The most suitable model for our purpose that utilized heart rate and filtered synthetic acceleration was selected and its estimation error trend was confirmed. CONCLUSION: For HIG, the MAPE recalculated by the most suitable model was 10.5%. The improvement ratio was 71.6% as compared to the previous model (HJA-750C). This result was almost identical to that obtained from leave-one-out cross-validation. This proposed algorithm revealed an improvement in estimation accuracy for activities in daily life; in particular, the results included estimated values associated with stair ascent, which has been a difficult activity to evaluate so far.

© 2016 Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature. Background/Objectives: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a potential therapeutic target against obesity and diabetes through thermogenesis and substrate disposal with cold exposure. The role of BAT in energy metabolism under thermoneutral conditions, however, remains controversial. We assessed the contribution of BAT to energy expenditure (EE), particularly diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT), and substrate utilization in human adults.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, BAT activity was evaluated in 21 men using 18 F-fluoro-2-deoxy- D -glucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (18 F-FDG-PET/CT) after cold exposure (19 °C). The subjects were divided into BAT-positive (n=13) and BAT-negative (n=8) groups according to the 18 F-FDG-PET/CT findings. Twenty-four hour EE, DIT and respiratory quotient were measured using a whole-room indirect calorimeter at 27 °C. Results: Body composition, blood metabolites and 24-h EE did not differ between groups. DIT (%), calculated as DIT divided by total energy intake, however, was significantly higher in the BAT-positive group (BAT-positive: 9.7±2.5%, BAT-negative: 6.5±4.0%, P=0.03). The 24-h respiratory quotient was significantly lower (P=0.03) in the BAT-positive group (0.861±0.027) than in the BAT-negative group (0.889±0.024). Conclusion: DIT and fat utilization were higher in BAT-positive subjects compared to BAT-negative subjects, suggesting that BAT has a physiologic role in energy metabolism.

We developed a novel method for computing diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) in a respiratory chamber and evaluated the validity and reproducibility of the method. We hypothesized that DIT may be calculated as the difference between postprandial energy expenditure (EE) and estimated EE (sum of basal metabolic rate and physical activity (PA)-related EE). The estimated EE was derived from the regression equation between EE from respiration and PA intensity in the fasting state. It may be possible to evaluate the time course of DIT using this novel technique. In a validity study, we examined whether DIT became zero (theoretical value) for 6 h of fasting in 11 subjects. The mean value of DIT calculated by the novel and traditional methods was 22.4 ± 13.4 and 3.4 ± 31.8 kcal/6 h, respectively. In the reproducibility study, 15 adult subjects lived in the respiratory chamber for over 24 h on two occasions. The DIT over 15 h of postprandial wake time was calculated. There were no significant differences in the mean values of DIT between the two test days. The within-subject day-to-day coefficient of variation for calculated DIT with the novel and traditional methods was approximately 35% and 25%, respectively. The novel method did not have superior reproducibility compared with that of the traditional method. However when comparing the smaller variation in the fasting state than the theoretical value (zero), the novel method may be better for evaluating interindividual differences in DIT than the traditional method and also has the ability to evaluate the time-course.

As described in this paper, a physical activity classification algorithm is proposed for energy expenditure estimation. The proposed algorithm can improve the classification accuracy using both the triaxial acceleration and heart rate. The optimal classification also contributes to improvement of the accuracy of the energy expenditures estimation. The proposed algorithm employs three indices: the heart rate reserve (%HRreserve), the filtered triaxial acceleration, and the ratio of filtered and unfiltered acceleration. The percentage HRreserve is calculated using the heart rate at rest condition and the maximum heart rate, which is calculated using Karvonen Formula. Using these three indices, a decision tree is constructed to classify physical activities into five classes: sedentary, household, moderate (excluding locomotive), locomotive, and vigorous. Evaluation results show that the average classification accuracy for 21 activities is 91%.

This study sought to examine the potential relationships of physical education (PE) participation at preschool and sports club (SC) participation out of school and daily physical activity (PA) measured objectively using a triaxial accelerometer, with physical fitness in preschool children. Physical fitness testing was used to measure both health-related and skill-related parameters of fitness in 191 Japanese preschoolers in the Kanto region (94 boys and 97 girls, 5.6 ± 0.6 years). Daily PA was assessed using a triaxial accelerometer (ActivTracer, GMS) for 6 consecutive days, including weekdays and weekend days. PE and SC participation was assessed using questionnaires for preschool teachers or parents of subjects, respectively. All health-related and skill-related physical fitness and total Z-score were correlated with time spent with physical activity ratio (PAR)≧4 when adjusted for age, sex, body height and weight. In addition, greater grip strength was associated with PE participation at preschool, and 25 m run speed was associated with SC participation, also. However, 25 m run speed was negatively associated with PE participation. These findings suggest that daily PA may contribute to the development of both health-related and skill-related fitness in preschool children, although further research on the cause-effect relationship is needed. Moreover, participation in a SC may contribute to the development of running speed.

PURPOSE: We examined whether continuous and intermittent physical activity (PA) differentially influence fat utilization. METHODS: This was a randomized crossover study. Nine healthy young male participants performed two 39-h (two nights, three days) PA sessions (continuous and intermittent exercise) in a respiratory chamber to measure energy expenditure (EE) and substrate oxidation. Participants used a stationary cycling ergometer continuously for 40 min and then 45 min in the continuous PA trial and for 5 min every 30 min 17 times in the intermittent PA trial. They consumed high-carbohydrate meals corresponding to predicted daily total EE for 3 d before entering the respiratory chamber and four high-fat meals corresponding to predicted total EE in the chamber. RESULTS: Twenty-three-hour RER adjusted for sleeping RER on the preceding day was significantly lower in the intermittent PA trial than that in the continuous PA trial (P = 0.021). Twenty-three-hour RER adjusted for sleeping RER on the preceding day was correlated with accumulated consecutive minutes of METs ≤ 1.5 (3 min or more, r = 0.477; 5 min or more, r = 0.510; 10 min or more, r = 0.605). CONCLUSIONS: The intermittent PA trial induced greater fat utilization than the continuous PA trial. The present study, therefore, suggests that intermittent PA has a beneficial effect on 24-h fat oxidation after consumption of a high-fat meal, which may help prevent weight gain over time.

Energy requirements can be estimated from resting energy expenditure (REE). However, little is known about factors influencing REE in Japanese female athletes. This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between REE and body composition in Japanese female athletes with a wide range of body sizes. Ninety-three athletes (age 20.3±1.2 y, height 162.8±6.4 cm, body weight (BW) 57.0±9.2 kg, fat-free mass (FFM) 45.4±6.2 kg) were classified into three groups according to BW: small-size (S) (n=34), medium-size (M) (n=34), and large-size (L) (n=25). Systemic and regional body compositions (skeletal muscle (SM), fat mass (FM), bone mass (BM), and residual mass (RM)) were estimated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Measured resting energy expenditure (REEm) was evaluated by indirect calorimetry. Marked differences were found in REEm (S: 1,111±150, M: 1,242±133, L: 1,478±138 kcal/d), and systemic and regional body compositions among the three groups. REEm was strongly correlated with FFM, and absolute values of RM and SM increased significantly according to body size. There was good agreement between REEm and estimated REE (REEe) from the specific metabolic rates of four major organ tissue level compartments. These data indicate that REE for female athletes can be attributed to changes in organ tissue mass, and not changes in organ tissue metabolic rate. That is, change in REE can be explained mainly by the change in FFM, and REE can be assessed by FFM in female athletes regardless of body size.

The number of lean young women has been increasing. Fear of being fat may induce unnecessary attempts to reduce body weight, which can cause several types of illness. Many investigations have demonstrated dysfunction of the hypothalamus and metabolic differences in patients with anorexia nervosa. However, it is unclear whether there are any differences in physical characteristics between women with lower body weight and no illness compared to those of normal body weight. In this study, we investigated the differences in body composition, biochemical parameters, and resting energy expenditure (REE) between young women with low and normal body mass index (BMI). Twenty lean women (BMI<18.5 kg/m(2)) and 20 normal women (18.5≤BMI<25 kg/m(2)) were recruited for this study. Body composition, biochemical parameters, and REE (REEm: measurement of REE) were measured, and the REE (REEe: estimation of REE) was estimated by using a prediction model. Marked differences were found in body composition. All of the values of blood analysis were in the normal ranges in both groups. REEm (kcal/d and kcal/kg BW/d) was significantly lower in lean than in normal women, but there were no significant differences in the REEm to fat free mass (FFM) ratio between the two groups. In addition, there was good agreement between REEm and REEe obtained from the specific metabolic rates of four tissue organs. These data indicate that the lean women without any illness have normal values of biochemical parameters and energy metabolism compared to women with normal BMI.

To evaluate whether regularly performed rowing exercise affects the trunk muscles size and function, and to examine the effect of rowing exercise on thigh muscle size and function in elderly rowers, we compared the cross-sectional area (CSA) and strength of these muscles in elderly male rowers and in age-matched untrained men. Participants were 16 elderly rowing-trained men (ROW age, 67.8 +/- 2.3 years) and 18 elderly untrained men (CON 66.2 +/- 3.0 years). CSA was measured by MRI in the trunk and thigh muscles. Isometric trunk flexion force and leg extension power were measured. ROW had a 20% larger total trunk muscle CSA than CON (P < 0.01); rectus abdominis was 27% larger, psoas major 64% larger, and erector spinae 14% larger in ROW than in CON (P < 0.05-0.001). Isometric trunk flexion force was related to the CSA of the rectus abdominis (r = 0.777, P < 0.001) and psoas major (r = 0.694, P < 0.001), and was 42% larger in ROW than in CON (P < 0.001). However, force adjusted for the CSA of the muscles did not differ significantly between CON and ROW. In ROW, the CSA was 13% larger in the total thigh muscles (P < 0.01), and leg extension power was 43% higher than in CON (P < 0.001). These results suggest that rowing exercise is a favorable training modality for the trunk muscles, especially psoas major and that it improves thigh muscle size and function in elderly men.

Arterial stiffening, hypertension and left ventricular (LV) remodelling are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with cardiovascular function and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness, arterial stiffness, blood pressure (BP) and LV remodelling in women. On the basis of peak oxygen uptake, a total of 159 premenopausal (young) and postmenopausal (older) women were categorized into either low (unfit) or high (fit) cardiorespiratory fitness groups. The arterial stiffness and LV remodelling were measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and carotid augmentation index (AI) and LV relative wall thickness (RWT). Two-way analysis of variance indicated a significant interaction between age and cardiorespiratory fitness in baPWV, carotid AI, BP and RWT. In the older group, arterial stiffness (baPWV 1401±231 vs 1250±125 cm s-1, P&lt 0.01, AI 32.9±9.9 vs 24.8±10.1%, P&lt 0.01), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (130±22 vs 117±15 mm Hg, P&lt 0.01) and RWT (0.47±0.08 vs 0.42±0.04, P&lt 0.05) in fit women were lower than in unfit women. In older women, RWT was significantly related to baPWV (r=0.46, P&lt 0.01), carotid AI (r=0.29, P&lt 0.05), SBP (r=0.57, P&lt 0.01) \\[Vdot]2peak (r=0.32, P&lt 0.05). In young women, they were not significant correlations, except for a weak correlation between RWT and SBP (r0.21, P0.05). These results suggest that higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with lower arterial stiffness, BP and RWT in older women. © 2010 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved.

Abdominal adiposity and low cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with insulin resistance in people with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. However, little is known about which factor precedes insulin resistance in people with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes, and which is the stronger predictor of insulin resistance in non-diabetic people. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between insulin resistance and cardiorespiratory fitness, visceral fat, and subcutaneous fat in non-diabetic people. Subjects included 87 men and 77 women aged 30-72 y (mean+/-SD, 51.3+/-12.3 y). Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by measuring the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in a progressive continuous test to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer. The visceral and subcutaneous fat areas were measured by magnetic resonance imaging. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-R) was calculated from the fasting concentrations of glucose and insulin. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that visceral and subcutaneous fat were significant correlates of HOMA-R, explaining 24% and 6% of the variance, respectively, whereas sex, age, and VO2max were not significant independent determinants. Abdominal fat deposition rather than cardiorespiratory fitness is a significant predictor of insulin resistance in non-diabetic people; visceral fat is the most important factor.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare body composition and risk factors of lifestyle-related diseases between young and older male rowers and sedentary controls. Healthy males aged 19-73 years participated in the study, and were divided into four groups: 26 young rowers, 24 senior rowers, 23 young sedentary controls, and 22 senior sedentary controls. Total and regional lean soft tissue, fat mass, and bone mineral density were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The HDL-cholesterol of senior rowers (67.4 +/- 13.4 mg . dl(-1)) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of senior sedentary controls (59.2 +/- 11.9 mg . dl(-1)), while HDL-cholesterol was similar in senior rowers and young rowers (66.1 +/- 10.8 mg . dl(-1)). Arm, leg, and trunk lean soft tissue mass were significantly higher in senior rowers (5.6 +/- 0.6 kg, 18.2 +/- 1.8 kg, and 27.3 +/- 3.2 kg respectively) than in senior sedentary controls (5.1 +/- 0.4 kg, 16.3 +/- 1.4 kg, and 24.6 +/- 1.7 kg respectively; P < 0.05). Bone mineral density was also significantly higher in senior rowers than in senior sedentary controls (ribs, lumbar spine, and pelvic segments; P < 0.05). We conclude that age-related increases in the risk of lifestyle-related diseases, such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia, are attenuated in male rowers. These results suggest that regular rowing exercise may have a positive influence in the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases in older Japanese people.

PORPOSE: This study aimed to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) risk factors and its components in different levels of aerobic fitness established by &ldquo;Exercise and Physical Activity Reference for Health Promotion 2006 (EPAR2006)&rdquo; in Japanese middle-aged and elderly people.<br>METHOD: Men (n=102) and women (n=133), aged 30-69yrs, participated in this study. The prevalence of MS risk factors was evaluated as the number of MS risk factors, according to the diagnostic criterion for Japanese-specific MS. Aerobic fitness was quantified as maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max). Subjects were classified into the three groups by aerobic fitness level based on &ldquo;Reference values&rdquo; and &ldquo;Reference range&rdquo; established in EPAR2006; 1) High fitness group (H); VO₂max (mL/kg/min) is higher than &ldquo;Reference values&rdquo;, 2) Medium fitness group (M); VO₂max is below &ldquo;Reference values&rdquo; but within &ldquo;Reference range&rdquo;, 3) Low fitness group (L); VO₂max is lower than &ldquo;Reference range&rdquo;.<br>RESULTS: In men, M and L groups showed significantly higher frequency of risk factors for MS than H group (H: 1.09&plusmn;0.98, M: 1.81&plusmn;1.07, L: 2.27&plusmn;0.70, P＜0.01). In women, L group showed significantly higher frequency of risk factors for MS than H and M groups (H: 0.57&plusmn;0.80, M: 0.81&plusmn;1.01, L: 1.53&plusmn;1.07, P＜0.01).<br>CONCLUSION: These results suggest that higher MS risk appears when the VO₂max is lower than &ldquo;Reference values&rdquo; in men, and below &ldquo;Reference range&rdquo; in women, and that particularly, men with low aerobic fitness have higher MS risk.

Objective: To investigate the relationships between regional skeletal muscle mass (SM mass) and bone mineral indices and to examine whether bone mineral content (BMC) normalized to SM mass shows a similar decrease with age in young through old age. Subjects/Methods: One hundred and thirty-eight young and postmenopausal women aged 20-76 years participated in this study and were divided into three groups: 61 young women, 49 middle-aged postmenopausal women and 28 older postmenopausal women. Muscle thickness (MTH) was determined by ultrasound, and regional SM mass (arm, trunk and leg) was estimated based on nine sites of MTH. Whole-body and regional lean soft tissue mass (LSTM), bone mineral density (BMD) and BMC (whole body, arms, legs and lumbar spine) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Ultrasound spectroscopy indicated that SM mass is significantly correlated with site-matched regional bone mineral indices and these relationships correspond to LSTM. The BMC and BMD in older women were significantly lower than those in middle-aged women. When BMC was normalized to site-matched regional SM mass, BMC normalized to SM mass in arm and trunk region were significantly different with age however, whole-body and leg BMC normalized to SM mass showed no significant difference between middle-aged and older postmenopausal women. Conclusions: The age-related differences in BMC were found to be independent of the ageing of SM mass in the arm and trunk region. However, differences in BMC measures of the leg and whole body were found to correspond to age-related decline of SM mass in postmenopausal women.

Objective:To evaluate the possibility that measurement of the magnitude and distribution of fundamental somatic heat-producing units using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can be used to estimate resting energy expenditure (REE) in both young and elderly women with different aerobic fitness levels. Subjects and methods: Peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) and REEm were directly measured in 116 young (age: 22.3 ± 2.1 years) and 72 elderly (63.3 ± 6.4 years) women. The subjects were divided into four groups according to categories of age and VO2 peak young: high fitness (YH, n=58) low fitness (YL, n=58) elderly: high fitness (EH, n=37) and low fitness (EL, n=35). Using DXA, systemic and regional body compositions were measured, and REEe was estimated from the sum of tissue organ weights multiplied by corresponding metabolic rate. Results: Although there were remarkable differences in systemic and regional body compositions, no significant differences were observed between REEm and REEe in the four groups. REEe significantly correlated with REEm in elderly as well as young women the slopes and intercepts of the two regression lines were statistically not different between the elderly and young groups (elderly: y=0.60x+472, r=0.667 young: y=0.78x+250, r=0.798 P&lt 0.001, respectively). A Bland-Altman analysis did not indicate bias in calculation of REE for all the subjects. Conclusion: These results suggest that REE can be estimated from tissue organ components in women regardless of age and aerobic fitness.

BACKGROUND: Since it is essential to maintain a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness to prevent life-style related disease, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan in 2006 proposed to determine the maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2max: mL.kg-1.min-1) reference values to prevent life-style related diseases (LSRD). Since muscle mass is one of the determinant factors of Vo2max, it could be used as the reference parameter for preventing LSRD. The aim of this study was to determine and quantify the muscle mass required to maintain the Vo2max reference values in Japanese women. METHODS: A total of 403 Japanese women aged 20-69 years were randomly allocated to either a validation or a cross-validation group. In the validation group, a multiple regression equation, which used a set of age and the percentage of muscle mass (%MM, percentage of appendicular lean soft tissue mass to body weight), as independent variables, was derived to estimate the Vo2max. After the equation was cross-validated, data from the two groups were pooled together to establish the final equation. The required %MM for each subject was recalculated by substituting the Vo2max reference values and her age in the final equation. RESULTS: The mean value of required %MM was identified as (28.5 +/- 0.35%). Thus, the present study proposed the required muscle mass (28.5% per body weight) in Japanese women to maintain the Vo2max reference values determined by the Japanese Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare. CONCLUSION: The estimated required %MM (28.5% per body weight) can be used as one of the reference parameters of fitness level in Japanese women.

It has been demonstrated in a previous study that resting energy expenditure (REE) is associated with adiponectin levels in the blood. However, body composition was not taken into consideration in that study. The purpose of the present study was to again investigate the relationship between blood adipocytokines and REE, adjusted by body composition, in both young and elderly women. REE and blood adipocytokines were measured in 115 young (age: 22.3+/-2.1 y, BMI: 21.3+/-1.9 kg/m(2)) and 71 elderly (63.4+/-6.5 y, 22.9+/- 2.3 kg/m(2)) women. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure percent body fat. Fat mass and fat free mass (FFM) were calculated. REE (kcal/d and kcal/kg BW/d) was lower in elderly women than in young women, but no significant difference was observed in REE, expressed as kcal/kg FFM/d, between the two groups. Although elderly women had a higher percent body fat and higher serum leptin concentrations than young women, plasma adiponectin concentrations did not differ between young and elderly women. In elderly women, REE (kcal/d) was significantly and inversely correlated with plasma adiponectin concentration (r=-0.386, p<0.001), but REE expressed per kilogram of BW or FFM was not significantly correlated. Furthermore, no significant correlation was observed between REE (kcal/d) and concentrations of plasma adiponectin or serum leptin, after adjusting for potential confounders such as body composition and hormones, in either age group. These results suggest that adipocytokines do not influence REE in adult women.

Athletes have been instructed to refrain from taking carbonated beverages in the sports world, but the mechanism has not been clear. The purpose of this study was to clarify how physiological and biochemical evaluation are affected by taking a 10% CHO carbonated beverage after cycle ergometer (60 min, 60% V̇O 2max). Seven subjects consumed a carbonated or noncarbonated (10% carbohydrate) beverage after exercise. No differences were observed in concentration of glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, K and Na in serum from carbonated beverage compared with noncarbonated beverage intakes after exercise. These results indicate that carbonated beverage did not affect the changes of physiological and biochemical parameter after prolonged exercise, and it could be more refreshing and stimulate taste rather than noncarbonated beverage, but seemed to be hard to drink immediately after exercise because it made subjects feel as if having drunk more than they did.

The basal metabolic rate (BMR) in 46 fit older people (age: 66&plusmn;3yrs., height: 163.3&plusmn;9.5cm, body weight (BW): 59.0&plusmn;10.4kg; mean&plusmn;SD) was evaluated in relation to the body composition (body fat mass (FM): 15.3&plusmn; 4.0kg, lean body mass (LBM): 43.7&plusmn;9.5kg). BMR for all the subjects was 1, 328&plusmn;218kcal/day, 22.6&plusmn;1.9kcal/kgBW/day, and 30.9&plusmn;3.6kcal/kgLBM/day. BMR (kcal/day) was significantly correlated with BW (r=0.87, p<0.001) and LBM (r=0.85, p<0.001). The height, BW, BMI and LBM were significantly higher in the males than in the females (p<0.01, respectively). No difference was apparent in FM between the two sexes. BMR (kcal/day) was higher in the males than in the females (p<0.01), but the males had lower BMR in terms of kcal/kgBW/day and kcal/kgLBM/day than the females (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). No significant difference was apparent in the adjusted BMR (kcal/(kgLBM&plusmn;24.5)/day) between the males and females. A multiple-regression analysis showed the most powerful predictor to be LBM and the second most powerful to be FM of BMR in fit older people.

The basal metabolic rate (BMR) of 70 postmenopausal women (age: 60.6&plusmn;4.2 yrs., height: 154.9&plusmn;5.2cm, body weight (BW) : 52.7&plusmn;6.2kg; mean &plusmn;SD) was evaluated in relation to body composition (body fat mass (FM) : 17.3&plusmn;3.9kg, lean body mass (LBM) : 35.3&plusmn;3.6kg) . BMR was 1, 148&plusmn;126kcal/day, 21.9&plusmn;2.2kcal/kgBW/day, 32.7&plusmn;3.2kcal kgLBM/day in all subjects. BMR (kcal/day) significantly correlated with BW (r=.635, p<0.001) and LBM (r=.598, p<0.001) . When divided into two groups, (lower %fat group (LF; <35%fat) and higher %fat group (HF; &ge;35%fat) ), BW and FM were significantly higher in HF than in LF (BW: 56.6&plusmn;6.4 vs 51.0&plusmn;5.3 kg, FM: 21.7&plusmn;2.8 vs 15.5&plusmn;2.7 kg, p<0.001, respectively) . No difference was observed in LBM between the two groups (34.9&plusmn;3.9 vs 35.5&plusmn;3.5 kg) . BMR (kcal/kgBW/day) was lower in HF than in LF (21.0&plusmn;1.8 vs 22.3&plusmn;2.3, p<0.05), but HF group had higher BMR in terms of kcal/kgLBM/ day than LF (34.0&plusmn;3.1 vs 32.1&plusmn;3.1, p<0.05) . Multiple regression analysis was performed to predict BMR. A single predictor LBM and a pair of predictors LBM and FM explained 35.7% and 42.7% of the variance of BMR. This study suggested that a decrease in LBM is a major factor in affecting the reduction of BMR in postmenopausal women, whereas FM gained after menopause could be considered to have metabolic activity related to BMR.