2.7. Resting Metabolic Rate
RMR was estimated using indirect calorimetry (Quark CPET, Cosmed, Rome, Italy). The tests were conducted early in the morning, with participants lying quietly on a reclined bed for 15 min in a dark, quiet room. Then, the respiratory face mask was placed, measuring RMR for the remaining 15 min. All participants abstained from strenuous exercise for at least 48 h before measurement and from eating for 12 h prior to measurement [