Energy balance
Following a 6-month calorie restriction-induced weight loss, resting metabolic rate (RMR) does not significantly adapt (decrease beyond prediction based on body composition), whereas energy expenditure for physical activity (EEPA) significantly decreases, yet neither component's adaptation predicts subsequent weight regain.
Don't fear that your metabolism has permanently slowed down after losing weight. This study shows that while you might move less (lower EEPA), your resting metabolic rate stays proportional to your new body size. More importantly, these metabolic changes didn't predict who would regain weight, suggesting that behavioral factors, not just metabolic adaptation, are key to maintenance.
There was no measurable decrease in RMR with weight loss after adjusting for changes in fat free mass and fat mass, but there was a decrease in EEPA. Changes in RMR and EEPA with weight loss over 6 months did not predict weight regain at 12 months.
Why this rating
Secondary analysis of a well-controlled clinical trial (CALERIE I) with objective measures (doubly labeled water, indirect calorimetry), though limited by sample size (n=46) and short follow-up for regain prediction.
Source
Metabolic Adaptations to Weight Loss: Relative Changes in Resting Metabolic Rate and Energy Expenditure for Physical Activity and Association With Weight Loss Maintenance
Rachel Silver et al. · Current Developments in Nutrition · 2021
DOI 10.1093/cdn/nzab041_041
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