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What is oxygen uptake?

Marjorie Nolan Cohn
Marjorie Nolan Cohn on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Nutrition & Dietetics
answer

Oxygen uptake is VO2. It’s the oxygen consumption or uptake per kilogram of body weight. It's the most relevant measure of the cardiorespiratory system. It's the highest rate at which oxygen can be consumed is called VO2Max, distributed and used by the body during exercise. It is determined relative to body weight as millimeters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight.

National Academy of Sports Medicine
National Academy of Sports Medicine
answer

Oxygen uptake is the transportation and utilization of oxygen in a person during exercise. A common physiological measurement taken is VO2 Max, which measures the maximum capacity at which the individual’s body can transport and utilize oxygen. This measurement indicates one’s personal fitness level. The higher the VO2 Max the better you can transport and use oxygen, which gives you more energy during exercise.  

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