The Claim
The metabolic cost of carrying a weighted vest during walking at 5 km/h on level ground is significantly higher than resting energy expenditure in healthy young adult males, with net metabolic rate increasing by approximately 2.5–4.5 W/kg across load masses from 0 to 30 kg.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
When healthy young adult males walk at 5 km/h on flat ground while wearing a weighted vest, their energy use increases by 2.5 to 4.5 watts per kilogram of body weight for every additional kilogram of weight carried, compared to when they are at rest.
See the scientific wording
The metabolic cost of carrying a weighted vest in healthy young adult males is significantly higher than resting energy expenditure, with net metabolic rate increasing by approximately 2.5–4.5 W/kg across load masses from 0 to 30 kg during walking at 5 km/h on level ground.
Carrying extra weight on the chest makes it harder to breathe deeply, so the breathing muscles work harder and use more energy. At the same time, walking with more weight forces the leg and posture muscles to push harder with each step, burning more fuel. Together, these two effects cause the body to use significantly more energy than when at rest.
What the research says
1 studyWearing a heavy backpack while walking makes your body work much harder and burn more energy than just standing still — and the heavier the pack, the more energy you use. This study shows that’s true, even at a steady walking speed.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.