The article explores the energy expenditure’s role in weight regulation by looking at its components, the thermal effect of physical activity (TEA), the thermal effect of food (TEF), and resting metabolic rate (RMR). Its purpose is to research the effect of weight-cycling change on metabolic rate and energy in humans.
Design
Twenty-six men were selected for participation in the study; twelve were active wrestlers and defined themselves as weight cyclers. 13 subjects were students similar in body composition, baseline weight, and age and were physically active (Melby, 1990). RMR, body composition, and body weight were measured before weighing for a fight during the wrestling season. The changes in RMR accompanied the typical decrease in body weight and calorie intake during the phase of weight loss. Then it was possible to observe a cyclical change in weight. Non-wrestling subjects were tested for an average of 4 months, with final measurements taken 6 weeks after the end of the season.
Results
The pattern of changes in RMR indicators was similar in both wrestlers’ subgroups during the study period. Group differences in RMR were not observed in any of the periods. Comparison of only the wrestlers who engage in more frequent weight-cycling with the participants in the control group indicated higher relative and absolute RMRs in wrestlers after and before the season.
Conclusion
Previous weight-cycling wrestlers had higher RMR rates than the non-weight-cycling group of young, physically active men. For wrestlers, the post-season RMR was similar to that of pre-season RMR and higher than the other subjects. Participating in multiple weight gain and weight loss cycles over several months did not reduce the RMR in these athletes. However, the results obtained from the study should be extrapolated with caution to people on the diet.
Reference
Melby, C. L., Schmidt, W. D., & Corrigan, D. (1990). Resting metabolic rate in weight-cycling collegiate wrestlers compared with physically active, noncycling control subjects. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 52(3), 409-414.