Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was evaluated in 27 obese women aged 16-49 y [body mass index (in kg/m2) 27-51] by indirect calorimetry. Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue areas, body fat, and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured by a single scan with computed tomography (CT); the waist-hip circumference ratio (W/H) was also used. Comparison between the lowest and the highest RMR quartiles--adjusted for age and FFM--revealed a higher W/H in the highest quartile (0.78 +/- 0.08 vs 0.88 +/- 0.08; P < 0.05). No difference was observed in CT indexes. No differences in W/H were observed after RMR was adjusted for age, FFM, and body fat. Our results point out that RMR, adjusted for FFM and age, correlates with body-fat distribution as evaluated by W/H, but not with visceral fat, as evaluated by CT. Correlations disappeared after RMR was adjusted for body fat as well.