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New Research Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About Metabolism and Weight Loss – A recent study led by Dr. Kevin Hall at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, maryland, is overturning conventional wisdom regarding metabolic adaptation during weight loss. The findings suggest that metabolic slowdown isn’t a meaningful barrier to achieving or maintaining weight loss, as previously thought.
For decades, the prevailing theory posited that intense dieting and exercise trigger a significant decrease in metabolic rate, making continued weight loss increasingly arduous. Dr. Hall’s research, published in the journal *Nature Metabolism* in December 2023, analyzed data from over 20 studies involving more than 160 participants, and revealed that this metabolic slowdown doesn’t necessarily hinder weight loss success.
Hall’s team utilized a metabolic ward at the NIH Clinical Center, a research hospital, to meticulously control participants’ diets and activity levels. The study showed that while metabolism does adjust to changes in caloric intake, this adjustment “didn’t seem to determine anyone’s ability to lose weight or keep it off in the short or long run.” The research focused on individuals with a Body mass Index (BMI) ranging from 25 to 35, representing overweight and obese categories.
By separating the concept of metabolism from the weight loss narrative, Hall hopes to shift the focus towards the essential principles of energy balance – calories in versus calories out. He believes that widespread misinformation about metabolism has diverted attention from these core concepts. He discussed these findings with Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Gupta’s “Chasing Life” podcast.
“It’s harnessing the continuous flow of matter and energy in our food and in our breath and powering every cell in our body, as well as the bodies and cells of practically every organism that we have ever encountered,” Hall explained to Gupta. “It’s a fundamental component of life, and it’s just incredibly fascinating.” He emphasized that metabolism is not a limiting factor, but rather a complex and vital process sustaining all life forms.
Understanding Metabolism: A Lifelong Process – Metabolism encompasses all the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life. This includes converting food into energy, building proteins, and eliminating waste. Factors influencing metabolic rate include genetics, age, gender, muscle mass
