Maunder et al. 2018, Contextualising maximal fat oxidation: determinants and normative values

Frontiers in Physiology 9:599. Systematic synthesis of 53 studies measuring maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and FATmax in adults using graded exercise protocols. In endurance-trained lean males, pooled FATmax sits at 56 ± 8% VO₂max; in recreationally-active males at 51 ± 8%; in recreationally-active females at 50 ± 10%. MFO is higher in endurance-trained than recreationally-active individuals (0.53 ± 0.16 vs 0.46 ± 0.14 g/min in lean males). Training status, sex, and body composition are the primary determinants of both MFO and FATmax. Moderate.