Hill, J., Gonzalez-Haro, C., & San Milan, I. (2011). Gender differences in maximal fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 43(5). Supplement abstract 2258.

This study determined gender differences in well-trained athletes on maximal carbohydrate oxidation and lipid (fat) oxidation. Well-trained road cyclists (M = 82; F = 17) carried out a laboratory test with a initial stage of 2.0 W/kg for 10 minutes and increments of 0.5 W/kg until exhaustion. VO2 uptake and VCO2 output were measured at the end of the tests. Maximal fat oxidation and maximal carbohydrate oxidation rates were estimated using Frayn's equations.

Men showed a higher maximal carbohydrate oxidation rate than women, as well as a higher maximal fat oxidation rate. There was no gender difference for respiratory exchange ratio.

Implication. Trained men have higher maximal carbohydrate and fat oxidation rates than well-trained women.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.