Energy balance
Deliberate overfeeding consistently induces weight gain in normal-weight adults, with approximately 38-44% of the gain consisting of lean body mass (LBM) rather than just fat.
If you are a normal-weight adult and you consistently eat more calories than you burn, you will gain weight. About 40% of that gain will be lean tissue (muscle, organs), not just fat. This happens regardless of whether you are male or female, or whether you are naturally thin or slightly overweight. There is no 'magic' resistance to weight gain in thin people.
Based on the observed ratio of the regression slopes for Figs. 1 and 2 (0.0114/0.0297 = 0.384), the average composition of the weight gain was 38 % lean and 62% fat; based on means, these values are 44% lean and 56% fat.
Why this rating
Controlled clinical environment, rigorous body composition assays (40K counting, densitometry), and large combined dataset (n=48).
Source
Deliberate overfeeding in women and men: energy cost and composition of the weight gain
Gilbert B. Forbes et al. · British Journal Of Nutrition · 1986
DOI 10.1079/bjn19860080
Related findings · Energy balance
- Achieving a total body weight loss of 10-15% (or >10-15 kg) through Total Diet Replacement (TDR) induces remission of Type 2 Diabetes in individuals with short-duration disease.Strong
- Bariatric surgery is superior to medical management alone for inducing significant long-term weight loss, remission of type 2 diabetes, and reduction in mortality for patients with BMI ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 with comorbidities.Strong
- Achieving type 2 diabetes remission requires significant weight loss (≥15 kg) via major caloric restriction, independent of macronutrient composition.Strong
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 →