Adaptive thermogenesis after moderate weight loss: magnitude and methodological issues

Purpose: The aim of this study was (1) to assess AT through 13 different mathematical approaches and to compare their results; and (2) to understand if AT occurs after moderate WL. Methods: Ninety-four participants [mean (SD); BMI, 31.1 (4.3) kg/m²; age, 43.0 (9.4) years; 34% females] underwent a 1-year lifestyle intervention (clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT03031951) and were randomized to intervention (IG, n = 49) or control groups (CG, n = 45), and all measurements were made at baseline and after 4 months. Fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and REE by indirect calorimetry. AT was assessed through 13 different approaches, varying in how REE was predicted and/or how AT was assessed. Results: IG underwent a mean negative energy balance (EB) of 270 (289) kcal/day, p < 0.001), resulting in a WL of − 4.8 (4.9)% and an FM loss of − 11.3 (10.8)%. Regardless of approach, AT occurred in the IG, ranging from ~ − 65 to ~ − 230 kcal/day and three approaches showed significant AT in the CG. Conclusions: Regardless of approach, AT occurred after moderate WL in the IG. AT assessment should be standardized and comparisons among studies with different methodologies to assess AT must be avoided.