Metabolic adaptation was present at six months while patients were still losing weight, but RMR and total EE normalized two years after the surgery after accounting for the observed FFM changes. These results support a growing consensus that metabolic adaptation occurs during periods of negative energy balance.
How does metabolic adaptation occur?
A reduced body mass results in a reduction in energy expenditure, which contributes to metabolic adaptation. One reason is that weight loss is associated with a decrease in lean body mass, so less tissue is contributing to basal tissue maintenance, resulting in a reduced basal metabolic rate.
How do I know if my metabolism has adapted?
The changes that occur include:
- BMR will decrease because a person weighs less.
- TEF decreases because a person is eating less.
- NEAT typically decreases as a person eats less food so that the body can conserve energy.
- EAT decreases as fewer calories are burned because a person weighs less.
