The Claim
In formerly overweight women who achieved normal weight through a weight-loss program, higher perceived exertion during a standardized submaximal treadmill walk is associated with greater weight regain over one year, independent of heart rate, ventilation, and respiratory exchange ratio.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Among women who lost weight and reached a normal weight, those who felt their treadmill walk was more difficult regained more weight over the next year, even when their heart rate, breathing, and energy use were similar to others.
See the scientific wording
In formerly overweight women who achieved normal weight through a weight-loss program, higher perceived exertion during a standardized submaximal treadmill walk (RPE) was associated with greater weight regain over one year, independent of physiological markers like heart rate, ventilation, and respiratory exchange ratio, suggesting that subjective experience of exercise difficulty may influence long-term weight maintenance.
When walking feels harder than expected, the brain reduces movement throughout the day and increases hunger, causing the body to take in more calories and burn fewer, which leads to weight gain.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Perception of exercise difficulty predicts weight regain in formerly overweight women
Women who lost weight and felt a moderate walk was harder were more likely to gain it back within a year—even if their heart rate and breathing were just like others who didn’t regain weight. Their brain’s sense of effort mattered more than their body’s physical response.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.