What causes high Respiratory Quotient at rest?

A high Respiratory Quotient (RQ) at rest, typically above 1.0, indicates a higher proportion of carbohydrate metabolism relative to fat metabolism. This can occur due to factors such as increased carbohydrate intake, high levels of physical inactivity, or certain metabolic disorders. Additionally, stress or illness can elevate RQ by promoting glucose utilization for energy over fat oxidation. RQ is often used to assess metabolic states and can provide insights into the body's energy substrate utilization.