Self-Reported Weight Cycling Is Associated with Adaptive Thermogenesis in Individuals with Overweight and Obesity

Abstract

Abstract Objectives We aimed to examine the association between self-reported weight cycling (WC) history and the presence of adaptive thermogenesis (AT) in overweight and obese individuals. Methods Data for this analysis were collected during baseline visits of participants enrolled in an ongoing weight loss study, the Personal Diet study. The sample was limited to participants who had reported attempting weight loss prior to enrollment. Body composition (fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM)) and resting energy expenditure (REE) were measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis and indirect calorimetry, respectively. Weight and dieting history was obtained via investigator-generated questionnaire, and WC was defined as the reported number of successful weight loss attempts of ≥5 lbs since age 18. Predicted REE (REEp) was determined using a multiple regression model including FM (kg), FFM (kg), and age. AT (kcal/day) was defined as the difference between predicted and measured REE (REEm-REEp). Pearson's correlations and multivariable models were run using SAS 9.4. Results Complete datasets for both WC and REE were collected from 121 participants. Participants (n = 5) with AT ± 2 SD were considered outliers and excluded from this analysis. The sample was mostly female (70%), with a mean age of 59 ± 12 years and a BMI of 34.1 ± 4.8 kg/m2. AT ≥100 kcal/day was found in 41 participants (35%). Mean number of weight cycles was 8.6 ± 5.7, with 49 participants (42.2%) reporting ≥10 cycles. WC was positively associated with AT after adjusting for sex (P = 0.018). Conclusions As predicted, WC is common in individuals with overweight and obesity and was significantly associated with AT. However, the clinical relevance of AT is unknown. Therefore, future directions should include an assessment of the effect of WC and AT on weight loss success. Funding Sources The Personal Diet study is supported by the American Heart Association.