Effect of physical exercise in resting metabolic rate: Applications in the obesity control

Abstract

The objective of this review was to analyze the studies that investigated about the effects of aerobic and strength exercise in resting metabolic rate as a means to control overweight and obesity. The main electronic databases were used to search for articles and it were reviewed the references of the main articles identified in the electronic search. The chronic effects of aerobic training on resting metabolic rate appear limited; however, it seems that the combination of volume and intensity of exercise and duration of training produces acute effects on it. Strength training is associated with an increase in muscle mass that can lead to a chronic increase in resting metabolic rate. More studies are needed to evaluate the association of aerobic training and strength training, and its impact on resting metabolic rate, both acutely and chronically.