Why it gets harder to keep losing weight
Caloric restriction-induced metabolic adaptation associated with amount of body weight lost – results from the LION study
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
The more weight you lose, the more your metabolism slows down—strongly correlated (β=0.005, p=0.003).
Most assume metabolic adaptation is fixed or random, but this shows it’s directly proportional to weight loss—meaning extreme dieters pay a higher metabolic price.
Practical Takeaways
Aim for moderate weight loss (5–10% of body weight) to minimize metabolic adaptation and improve long-term maintenance.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
The more weight you lose, the more your metabolism slows down—strongly correlated (β=0.005, p=0.003).
Most assume metabolic adaptation is fixed or random, but this shows it’s directly proportional to weight loss—meaning extreme dieters pay a higher metabolic price.
Practical Takeaways
Aim for moderate weight loss (5–10% of body weight) to minimize metabolic adaptation and improve long-term maintenance.
Publication
Journal
Adipositas - Ursachen, Folgeerkrankungen, Therapie
Year
2025
Authors
C Blanken, A Reik, H Hauner, C Holzapfel