Controlling caloric intake and energy expenditure may not be enough to keep weight stable

摘要

Whenever one talks about the need to keep optimal weight in order to reduce cardiovascular risk and other health hazards, one will always quote the mantra - eat healthy and stay fit, which means keeping the desired balance between caloric intake and energy expenditure. The standard equation says that 7000 kcal equal 1 kg of fat, so, if the energy balance over a period of time points is (-)7000 kcal, this negative figure should also be expressed while standing on the scale, which should show 1 kg reduction in weight. All guidelines and recommendations are based on this formulation, and the scenario of failure to maintain or reduce weight despite keeping the instructions is attributed solely to poor adherence to the intervention program. Now it seems that there may be other explanations. A study published recently in Science examined mice that were put in a system that could accurately measure both their caloric intake and energy expenditure.