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Adaptive thermogenesis during energy deficits: a different explanation

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 76, pages 1351–1352 (2022)Cite this article

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Adaptive thermogenesis is defined as lower than predicted post-absorptive resting energy expenditure (REE) during energy deficit, and higher than predicted REE during over-feeding [1]. The main determinant of adaptive thermogenesis is change in energy balance, changes in energy balance drive the amount and direction (positive or negative) of adaptive thermogenesis [2]. Adaptive thermogenesis is most pronounced during an energy deficit and less pronounced or non-existent during over-feeding [3, 4]. A recent review of 29 studies on weight-loss induced adaptive thermogenesis concluded that, although weight-loss may lead to adaptive thermogenesis, high-quality studies are warranted not only to disclose the existence but also to understand its clinical implication on weight management outcomes [5]. Here, a different explanation for adaptive thermogenesis in an energy-deficit condition is presented.

Thus, it is postulated that REE after a 12- to 14-h overnight fast, as a reference for the assessment of adaptive thermogenesis, reflects REE under fasting conditions with ‘fasting’ defined as absence of consumption during 12- to 14-h, which may not imply absence of food processing inducing thermogenesis. In fact, the start of the fasting condition was shown by a decrease in RER, indicating the transition to fasting-induced lipolysis, 15- to 18-h after the last meal the night before [10]. Taken together, REE, as measured after a 12- to 14-h overnight fast, still may include diet-induced thermogenesis and therefore does not reflect complete fasting REE. Adaptive thermogenesis, as observed as a decrease of REE after a 12- to 14-h overnight fast during energy restriction, can be explained by a decrease to REE due to a lower, or absent diet-induced thermogenesis 12- to 14-h after the last, energy deficient, dinner. Especially during energy restriction, REE reaches a lower REE, explaining why adaptive thermogenesis has been shown most pronounced during an energy deficit [3]. Contrarily, during over-feeding, adaptive thermogenesis during positive energy balance, is observed as an increase of REE after a 12- to 14-h overnight fast. This may be explained by additional diet-induced thermogenesis from over-feeding.

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Fig. 1: Mean pattern of respiratory exchange ratio, as measured over 30-min intervals from a 24-h observation in a respiration chamber.
Fig. 2: Individual respiratory exchange ratio values in relation to body mass index of participants.

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  1. Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    Klaas R. Westerterp

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Westerterp, K.R. Adaptive thermogenesis during energy deficits: a different explanation. Eur J Clin Nutr 76, 1351–1352 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-022-01107-4

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