Μaximal Fat Oxidation During Cycle Ergometer Protocols in Obese Adults: A Scoping Review.

ABSTRACT: Maximal fat oxidation (MFO) rate and the intensity at which it occurs (Fatmax) are key indicators of metabolic flexibility, yet their assessment in obese populations poses methodological challenges. This scoping review synthesizes evidence from 23 studies investigating protocols for determining Fatmax and MFO during cycle ergometry. Across studies, obese and sedentary participants followed testing procedures, typically involving lower initial workloads, smaller workload increments, and longer stage durations than those used for fitter individuals. In obese populations, Fatmax generally occurred at 30-50% of VO₂ peak, compared with values exceeding 60% in trained participants. While the reliability of Fatmax was acceptable, greater variability was observed for MFO rate. Fitness l

SUBMITTER: Anagnostopoulos K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12840565 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature