Energy metabolism and the metabolic syndrome: Does a lower basal metabolic rate signal recovery following weight loss?

Highlights ► There is a sexual dimorphism of basal metabolic rates in the metabolic syndrome. ► Women with metabolic syndrome and men without metabolic syndrome had higher adjusted basal metabolic rates than their counterparts. ► Recovery from metabolic syndrome following 12 weeks of weight loss was associated with a low adjusted basal metabolic rate. ► Gender specific decreases in fasting glucose, and lower triglycerides contributed significantly to this decline in basal metabolic rate. ► The study provides direct evidence for a role of energy metabolism in the metabolic syndrome.