Background: Diet-induced weight loss is accompanied by adaptive
thermogenesis, ie, a disproportional or greater than expected reduction
of resting metabolic rate (RMR).
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether adaptive
thermogenesis is sustained during weight maintenance after
weight loss.
Design: Subjects were 22 men and 69 women [mean 6 SD age: 40
6 9 y; body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2): 31.9 6 3.0]. They followed
a very-low-energy diet for 8 wk, followed by a 44-wk period of
weight maintenance. Body composition was assessed with a 3-compartment
model based on body weight, total body water (deuterium
dilution), and body volume. RMR was measured (RMRm) with a ventilated
hood. In addition, RMR was predicted (RMRp) on the basis of
the measured body composition: RMRp (MJ/d) = 0.024 3 fat mass
(kg) + 0.102 3 fat-free mass (kg) + 0.85. Measurements took place
before the diet and 8, 20, and 52 wk after the start of the diet.
Results: The ratio of RMRm to RMRp decreased from 1.004 6
0.077 before the diet to 0.963 6 0.073 after the diet (P , 0.001),
and the decrease was sustained after 20 wk (0.983 6 0.063; P ,
0.01) and 52 wk (0.984 6 0.068; P , 0.01). RMRm/RMRp was
correlated with the weight loss after 8 wk (P , 0.01), 20 wk (P ,
0.05), and 52 wk (P , 0.05).
Conclusion: Weight loss results in adaptive thermogenesis, and
there is no indication for a change in adaptive thermogenesis up
to 1 y, when weight loss is maintained.
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