The effects on resting metabolic rate (RMR) of energy intake and exercise energy expenditure were examined in eight trained men under four conditions: 1) high energy flux (HF), 90 min of exercise at 75% VO2max on 3 d while in energy balance; 2) low energy flux (LF), no exercise for 3 d while in energy balance; 3) negative energy balance (NEB), exercise on 3 d while consuming low-flux meals; and 4) positive energy balance (PEB), no exercise for 2 d while consuming high-flux meals. Eight untrained men were studied in LF. There were effects of exercise energy expenditure and energy intake on RMR, and an exercise x diet interaction (P < 0.05). RMR was greater in trained than in untrained subjects only when trained subjects were in HF. These data indicate that RMR is influenced by exercise, energy intake, and their interaction and suggest that higher RMR in trained vs untrained individuals results from acute effects of HF rather than from a chronic adaptation to exercise training.