Physical Activity Energy Expenditure and Total Daily Energy Expenditure in Successful Weight Loss Maintainers

OBJECTIVE: To compare physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) in successful weight loss maintainers (WLM) to normal weight controls (NC) and controls with overweight/obesity (OC). METHODS: Participants were recruited in three groups: WLM (n=25, body mass index, BMI 24.1±2.3 kg/m(2); maintaining ≥13.6 kg weight loss for ≥1 year), NC (n=27, BMI 23.0±2.0 kg/m(2); similar to current BMI of WLM), and OC (n=28, BMI 34.3±4.8 kg/m(2); similar to pre-weight loss BMI of WLM). TDEE was measured using the doubly labeled water method. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured using indirect calorimetry. PAEE was calculated as [TDEE – (0.1×TDEE) – REE]. RESULTS: PAEE in WLM (812±268 kcal/d, mean±SD) was significantly higher compared to both NC (621±285 kcal/d, p<0.01) and OC (637±271 kcal/d, p=0.02). As a result, TDEE in WLM (2495±366 kcal/d) was higher compared to NC (2195±522 kcal/d, p=0.01) but not significantly different from OC (2573±391 kcal/d). CONCLUSION: The high levels of PAEE and TDEE observed in individuals maintaining a substantial weight loss (−26.2±9.8 kg maintained for 9.0±10.2 years) suggest that this group relies on high levels of energy expended in physical activity to remain in energy balance (and avoid weight regain) at a reduced body weight.