Metabolic Adaptation
The body's natural slowing of metabolism in response to weight loss.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
When you lose weight, your body fights back by burning fewer calories — this is metabolic adaptation. It is a survival mechanism, not a personal failure. Medical support helps overcome it.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Metabolic adaptation is the reduction in resting energy expenditure beyond what is predicted from changes in body composition. It can account for 100-500 kcal/day reduction in energy requirements after significant weight loss.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
This explains why weight loss plateaus and why maintenance is difficult. GLP-1 agonists and other medical interventions help overcome metabolic adaptation.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.
