Persistent metabolic adaptation 6 years after "The Biggest Loser" competition.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To measure long-term changes in resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body composition in participants of "The Biggest Loser" competition.

Methods

Body composition was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and RMR was determined by indirect calorimetry at baseline, at the end of the 30-week competition and 6 years later. Metabolic adaptation was defined as the residual RMR after adjusting for changes in body composition and age.

Results

Of the 16 "Biggest Loser" competitors originally investigated, 14 participated in this follow-up study. Weight loss at the end of the competition was (mean ± SD) 58.3 ± 24.9 kg (P < 0.0001), and RMR decreased by 610 ± 483 kcal/day (P = 0.0004). After 6 years, 41.0 ± 31.3 kg of the lost weight was regained (P = 0.0002), whi

SUBMITTER: Fothergill E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4989512 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature