Fatmax in children and adolescents: a review

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to summarise and critically examine the literature that has determined Fatmax in children and adolescents (young people). Maximising fat oxidation during exercise may be beneficial for health, particularly in the management of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Exercise intensity largely determines fat oxidation during exercise. Fatmax is the relative exercise intensity that elicits the highest fat oxidation rate and has received increasing attention in recent years. Studies in young people have demonstrated that there is considerable inter-individual variation in Fatmax, which generally occurs between 30 and 60% of peak oxygen uptake. Factors that may influence Fatmax in young people include body composition, physical maturation, and exercise training. Several researchers have suggested that Fatmax and fat oxidation rates may be reduced in obese compared with non-obese young people.