30 Seconds SummaryResearch Spotlight: Adding another layer to the energy compensation discussion
- The constrained total energy expenditure model suggests that increased physical activity may cause the body to reduce other forms of energy expenditure to maintain an overall energy balance, especially at high activity levels.
- Recent studies, including Careau et al and Broskey et al, support this model by showing that people in negative energy balance maintain stable total energy expenditure across various activity levels, unlike those in neutral or positive balance.
- The additive model, in contrast, posits that adding physical activity straightforwardly increases total daily energy expenditure by an amount proportional to the exercise done.
- There is still a general increase in total energy expenditure with physical activity according to the constrained model, but the increase is less than expected, especially as activity levels rise.
- The study by Careau et al also revealed that compensation varies among individuals, with higher fat mass associated with greater energy compensation.
- Energy compensation appears to play a role in both industrial and non-industrial contexts, influencing total energy expenditure differently based on activity levels and energy consumption patterns.
- Variability in energy compensation may explain why endurance athletes can sustain high energy outlays, while chronic dieters might not increase energy expenditure as expected despite significant activity.
- The findings indicate that exercise's effectiveness in boosting energy expenditure is context-dependent and varies per individual's activity level and energy status.
Stronger By Science
Eric Trexler
