Metabolic and Behavioral Compensations in Response to Caloric Restriction: Implications for the Maintenance of Weight Loss
2009

Metabolic Adaptation with Caloric Restriction

Sample size: 48 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Leanne M. Redman, Leonie K. Heilbronn, Corby K. Martin, Lilian de Jonge, Donald A. Williamson, James P. Delany, Eric Ravussin

Primary Institution: Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Hypothesis

Caloric restriction will reduce energy metabolism in excess of the loss of metabolic mass.

Conclusion

Caloric restriction leads to metabolic and behavioral adaptations, resulting in decreased physical activity levels.

Supporting Evidence

  • Caloric restriction resulted in a significant reduction in total daily energy expenditure.
  • Participants on caloric restriction showed decreased physical activity levels.
  • Metabolic adaptation was observed in response to caloric restriction.

Takeaway

When people eat less, their bodies use less energy, which can make it harder to keep off weight.

Methodology

Participants were randomized into four groups for 6 months, with measurements of body composition and energy expenditure taken at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.

Potential Biases

Participants were excluded if they had a history of obesity or other health issues, which may limit generalizability.

Limitations

The sample size may limit the ability to detect significant changes at 6 months.

Participant Demographics

48 healthy, overweight men and women aged 25-50 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004377

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