Energy balance
Prolonged energy restriction induces adaptive thermogenesis, causing resting energy expenditure (REE) to fall significantly more than predicted by changes in body composition alone, thereby creating an energetic efficiency that hinders weight loss.
When you diet, your body doesn't just burn less energy because you are smaller; it actively becomes more efficient, burning even less than expected for your new size. This 'adaptive thermogenesis' is strongest during the active weight loss phase. If you hit a plateau, it may be because your body has adapted to the deficit. Recognizing this biological defense mechanism can help you adjust your strategy (e.g., slight diet breaks or resistance training) rather than assuming you are failing.
In such cases a greater energetic efficiency, i.e. an adaptive component of thermogenesis, often appears... the reduction in REE might not always be proportional to the decrease in body substance.
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with objective indirect calorimetry measurements over 15 weeks, though the drug arm (fenfluramine) was not the primary focus of the adaptive thermogenesis claim.
Source
Evidence for the existence of adaptive thermogenesis during weight loss
Éric Doucet et al. · British Journal Of Nutrition · 2001
DOI 10.1079/bjn2001348
More from this paper
- Adaptive thermogenesis is primarily driven by the energy deficit itself rather than the resulting loss of body mass, as evidenced by the early onset of reduced REE before significant body composition changes occur.Good
- Women may experience a complete resolution of adaptive thermogenesis once weight stability is achieved, whereas men may retain a lower-than-predicted REE even after weight stabilization.Good
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