The Claim

In rats, caloric restriction followed by refeeding is associated with a persistent increase in the DIO3-to-DIO2 expression ratio in skeletal muscle, resulting in reduced local tri-iodothyronine (T3) availability and suppressed muscle thermogenesis with accelerated fat storage during weight recovery.

Source: Caloric restriction induces energy-sparing alterations in skeletal muscle contraction, fiber composition and local thyroid hormone metabolism that persist during catch-up fat upon refeeding

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
14score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

How it works
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In rats, periods of reduced calorie intake followed by refeeding lead to a sustained increase in the DIO3-to-DIO2 enzyme ratio in skeletal muscle, which lowers local T3 levels, reduces energy expenditure in muscle, and promotes fat accumulation during weight regain.

See the scientific wording

In rats, caloric restriction and refeeding are associated with a persistent increase in the ratio of DIO3 to DIO2 expression in skeletal muscle, reducing local tri-iodothyronine (T3) availability and potentially contributing to suppressed muscle thermogenesis and accelerated fat storage during weight recovery.

Why this might work

When food intake is reduced and then restored, muscle cells produce more of an enzyme that breaks down the active thyroid hormone and less of one that makes it. This lowers the amount of active hormone inside the muscle, which changes the type of muscle fibers to slower-contracting ones. Slower muscle movements use less energy and generate less heat, so the body saves calories and stores them as fat during recovery.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Caloric restriction induces energy-sparing alterations in skeletal muscle contraction, fiber composition and local thyroid hormone metabolism that persist during catch-up fat upon refeeding

    After rats diet and then eat normally again, their leg muscles change to use less energy by breaking down the active thyroid hormone instead of making it, which makes them burn fewer calories and store more fat.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

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