May 13, 2015. It is well known that some people find it easier than others to lose weight quickly. This popular belief has just been demonstrated by a research team for the first time.
An American team of researchers investigated the impact of calorie restriction on 12 obese men and women. The metabolism of each of the participants was first quantified through the use of a calorimeter: the tool is capable, from an assessment of the amount of oxygen consumed and carbon dioxide produced in the exhaled air, to estimate the energy expenditure of individuals. For six weeks, the subjects then followed a diet that halved the amount of calories ingested. Note that it was impossible for them to cheat because they were staying in a boarding house for the duration of the experience.
Adaptation differences
The researchers found that in some individuals, the basal metabolism fell on the first day of fasting, adjusting to the calorie reduction. However, it is these people who lost the least weight during the six-week diet. ” When obese people reduce their calorie consumption, metabolic responses vary widely, and a more “thrifty” metabolism will contribute to less weight loss. », Specifies Doctor S. Votruba, one of the authors of the study.
The interest of a personalized approach
But what does this metabolic response depend on? Researchers still ignore it. Are people born with their metabolism? Can this change significantly over the years? How to fight against a slow metabolism? Further studies will be needed to answer these questions. Anyway, this study shows the value of a personalized approach to weight loss. Even if, it must be remembered, biology is not fate. A balanced diet and regular physical activity often work well, regardless of a person’s metabolism.
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Source: Martin Reinhardt, Marie S. Thearle & al. A Human Thrifty Phenotype Associated With Less Weight Loss During Caloric Restriction, Diabetes May 11, 2015, [http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2015/05/06/db14-1881] |
