NathanK
Member
Interesting study. For every 10% of body weight lost due to underfeeding the subjects lowered their metabolism 15%.
Changes in Energy Expenditure Resulting from Altered Body Weight
Full text: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NE ... #t=article
"....Many obese people who lose weight have metabolic alterations similar to those observed in our subjects. The reduction in energy expenditure to a level 15 percent below that predicted for body composition, as a result of a 10 percent (or larger) decrease in body weight, is large when one considers that an average daily intake of 2500 kcal would be associated with a positive energy balance of approximately 375 kcal per day. In addition, the sense of hunger or dysphoria that may accompany this state of reduced energy expenditure will promote increased food intake, further widening the gap between energy output and intake.3 Physicians should be aware that for some obese patients the achievement of what is considered to be a more healthful body weight may be accompanied by metabolic alterations that make it difficult to maintain the lower weight. Nevertheless, the beneficial effect of even a modest weight loss on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in obese patients40,41 justifies persistent efforts at weight reduction and maintenance of a reduced body weight for the treatment of obesity."
Changes in Energy Expenditure Resulting from Altered Body Weight
Full text: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NE ... #t=article
"....Many obese people who lose weight have metabolic alterations similar to those observed in our subjects. The reduction in energy expenditure to a level 15 percent below that predicted for body composition, as a result of a 10 percent (or larger) decrease in body weight, is large when one considers that an average daily intake of 2500 kcal would be associated with a positive energy balance of approximately 375 kcal per day. In addition, the sense of hunger or dysphoria that may accompany this state of reduced energy expenditure will promote increased food intake, further widening the gap between energy output and intake.3 Physicians should be aware that for some obese patients the achievement of what is considered to be a more healthful body weight may be accompanied by metabolic alterations that make it difficult to maintain the lower weight. Nevertheless, the beneficial effect of even a modest weight loss on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in obese patients40,41 justifies persistent efforts at weight reduction and maintenance of a reduced body weight for the treatment of obesity."