Energy balance
Calorie restriction induces metabolic adaptation in resting metabolic rate (RMR) that persists beyond expected losses in fat-free mass, effectively defending body weight.
If you are restricting calories, expect your resting metabolism to drop more than just the calories burned by carrying less weight. This adaptation defends your current weight. To maintain weight loss, you must either strictly control food intake to match this new, lower metabolic rate or increase energy expenditure through exercise to offset the drop.
Body weight is defended in non-obese participants during modest caloric restriction, evidenced by metabolic adaptation of RMR and reduced energy expenditure through physical activity.
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with multiple groups and rigorous measurement (DXA, indirect calorimetry, respiratory chamber), though limited to 6 months and non-obese participants.
Source
Effect of Calorie Restriction on Resting Metabolic Rate and Spontaneous Physical Activity
Corby K. Martin et al. · Obesity · 2007
DOI 10.1038/oby.2007.354
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