Metabolic Adaptations to Weight Loss: Relative Changes in Resting Metabolic Rate and Energy Expenditure for Physical Activity and Association With Weight Loss Maintenance

Objectives There is persistent controversy over the extent to which different components of energy expenditure disproportionately decrease after weight loss and contribute to weight regain through decreased energy requirements. We conducted a secondary analysis of the CALERIE I study to test the hypothesis that decreased resting metabolic rate (RMR) and energy expenditure for physical activity (EEPA) after a 6-month calorie restriction intervention would predict weight regain at 12 months, with a greater decrease in RMR than EEPA.