drtbear1967
Musclechemistry Board Certified Member
When someone loses weight, their metabolism decreases no matter what. This is because their energy intake is lower and their body size is lower.
However, there is something called metabolic adaptation where that person's basal metabolic rate actually decreases further than what is expected based on their size according to calculations.
This means that someone who is 200 pounds and loses 40 pounds to get to 160 pounds will likely have a lower metabolic rate than someone who was 160 pounds all else equally other than the weight loss.
This is normal physiology. This is not metabolic damage.
The good news is that it's only a small percent of your metabolism. Around 10-15% (see graphic).
You can try to minimize that with weight lifting and protein while you lose weight.
Also the majority of the decrease in energy expenditure comes from a lowered amount of NEAT (non exercise activity thermogenesis). Like walking, climbing stairs to get to work, involuntary movements, etc.
However, there is something called metabolic adaptation where that person's basal metabolic rate actually decreases further than what is expected based on their size according to calculations.
This means that someone who is 200 pounds and loses 40 pounds to get to 160 pounds will likely have a lower metabolic rate than someone who was 160 pounds all else equally other than the weight loss.
This is normal physiology. This is not metabolic damage.
The good news is that it's only a small percent of your metabolism. Around 10-15% (see graphic).
You can try to minimize that with weight lifting and protein while you lose weight.
Also the majority of the decrease in energy expenditure comes from a lowered amount of NEAT (non exercise activity thermogenesis). Like walking, climbing stairs to get to work, involuntary movements, etc.
