Original articleReduction in energy expenditure during weight loss is higher than predicted based on fat free mass and fat mass in older adults
Introduction
Adaptive thermogenesis is defined as the decrease in resting energy expenditure (REE) greater than expected based on changes in fat free mass and fat mass [1]. Because the REE contributes for approximately 70% of the total daily energy expenditure [2], adaptive thermogenesis can have substantial impact on daily energy expenditure. As a result it might be more difficult to preserve energy balance to maintain weight, or to create an energy deficit to lose weight.
Adaptive thermogenesis has been described in different weight loss studies [3], [4], [5]. It has been stated that the discussion is no longer about the existence of the phenomenon of adaptive thermogenesis, but about its magnitude and practical implication [6].
In addition to the ongoing discussion on the magnitude and practical implication of adaptive thermogenesis, it has been pointed out that the relation between age and adaptive thermogenesis is unclear [7], [8]. Since the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing as well as aging, the number of older adults with overweight and obesity increases [9]. We have been interested in providing adequate interventions for obese older adults that result in healthy weight loss, i.e. loss of fat mass with muscle mass preservation [10]. Because adaptive thermogenesis might have an unfavorable effect on the energy balance, it potentially reduces the success of weight loss interventions and weight maintenance in older adults. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe adaptive thermogenesis in overweight and obese older adults during weight loss. For this purpose, we accumulated data over a larger age range, which made it possible to compare older with younger overweight individuals.
Section snippets
Subjects
The data from 9 different weight loss studies were combined for this investigation, e.g. [10]. The studies were conducted at the Amsterdam Nutritional Assessment Center (ANAC) of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences between 2006 and 2014. Subjects were overweight or obese (body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2) but otherwise healthy. Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects.
Design
All subjects followed a hypocaloric diet. In addition, in some studies a subgroup of participants
Subjects
In total, 254 subjects were included in this study (M = 88, F = 166). Baseline characteristics of the younger and older subjects are displayed in Table 1. On average, older subjects had a significant higher fat mass than younger subjects (39.7 ± 10.0 vs. 36.3 ± 10.0 kg, p < 0.01) and a lower REE (1755 ± 295 kcal/d vs. 1840 ± 340 kcal/d, p = 0.04).
On average body weight in older subjects declined by −3.2 ± 3.0 kg (−3.4 ± 3.3 kg fat mass; +0.1 ± 1.8 kg fat free mass) and in younger subjects
Discussion
This study shows that adaptive thermogenesis could be quite significant in overweight and obese older adults during weight loss. Adaptive thermogenesis may have consequences for ongoing weight loss and weight maintenance in older adults.
Conclusion
We conclude that adaptive thermogenesis is present in older subjects, while it was not observed in younger subjects in this study. The adaptive thermogenesis in older subjects might have implications for weight loss and weight maintenance. Nutritionists and dietitians need to be aware of the role of adaptive thermogenesis in weight loss and weight maintenance, especially in older subjects. If necessary a reduced energy intake should be advised to counteract the adaptive thermogenesis.
Statement of authorship
Conception and design of the study: TH, PW. Acquisition of data: AV. Analysis and interpretation of data: TH, RM, MT, PW. Writing the manuscript: TH, AV, RM, MT, PW.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
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