30 Seconds Summary
Research Spotlight: Is metabolic adaptation responsible for weight gain?

  • Metabolic adaptation refers to reduced energy expenditure following prolonged caloric restriction.
  • This study examined the relationship between resting metabolic rate (RMR) changes and weight regain in 171 sedentary, overweight women over 2 years.
  • Metabolic adaptation was identified when the measured RMR was lower than the predicted RMR after weight loss.
  • Participants lost an average of 12kg, but RMR suppression of 50-60 kcal/day post-weight loss did not predict weight regain at 1- or 2-year checkpoints.
  • Over half of the lost weight was regained by the first year and more by the second year, regardless of RMR changes.
  • Racial factors did not significantly affect the outcomes, with similar responses observed in both white and black women.
  • The study suggests that suppression of RMR is not a significant factor in weight regain and calls for future research to explore other components like hunger, hormones, and psychological factors.
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