Adherence
The weight loss plateau observed after approximately 6 months of lifestyle intervention is primarily driven by a gradual return of free-living energy intake to baseline levels (loss of diet adherence), rather than by metabolic adaptation or adaptive thermogenesis.
If you hit a weight loss plateau after 6 months, don't assume your metabolism is broken. The model suggests your energy intake has likely crept back up to your maintenance level. Focus on re-establishing a caloric deficit through diet adherence rather than expecting your body to burn significantly more calories than your weight loss predicts.
This simulation illustrates the very long equilibration time for weight loss in obese subjects and demonstrates that the weight loss plateau observed after 6 mo cannot be a result of metabolic adaptation.
Why this rating
Based on a validated computational model using data from multiple controlled studies, though it relies on model assumptions regarding physical activity.
Source
Predicting metabolic adaptation, body weight change, and energy intake in humans
Kevin D. Hall · American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism · 2009
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →