Mixed
Using lean body mass (LBM) and body fat percentage (BF) in reference equations for peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) provides better calibration for overweight and obese individuals compared to equations based on total body mass.
If you are overweight or obese, standard fitness tests that use your total body weight to predict your maximum oxygen uptake (VO2peak) likely overestimate your fitness level. To get an accurate assessment of your cardiorespiratory health, especially if you are older, use reference equations that account for your lean body mass and body fat percentage. This prevents being falsely categorized as 'fit' when your actual functional capacity may be lower.
These equations were well-calibrated in subgroups based on sex, age and body mass index (BMI), in contrast to the Wasserman equation... These equations will yield more accurate VO2peak evaluation, particularly in obese individuals.
Why this rating
Large multicenter registry (FRIEND, N=6,836 healthy), but preprint status and lack of long-term outcome data limit certainty.
Source
Reference equations for peak oxygen uptake for treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise tests based on the NHANES lean body mass equations, a FRIEND registry study
Everton J. Santana et al. · European Journal of Preventive Cardiology · 2025
DOI 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf045
Related findings · Mixed
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