Skip to content

Tag: Negative energy balance

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

How a Negative Energy Balance Affects Your Body and Health

5 min read
According to the National Institutes of Health, while a mild negative energy balance is key for weight loss, a severe or chronic energy deficit can trigger significant and adverse physiological changes to survive. This process involves a complex cascade of metabolic and hormonal adjustments that can affect virtually every system in the body.

Understanding the Consequences of Negative Energy Balance

4 min read
According to a 2019 study, a sustained negative energy balance can impact the body's metabolism, hormone production, and mental well-being. This state, where the body expends more calories than it consumes, is not just a tool for weight loss; it carries a range of serious consequences that affect nearly every system in the body, especially if prolonged.

What is the definition of negative energy balance?

4 min read
According to a 2016 study published in the journal Obesity, creating a negative energy balance is the fundamental principle behind weight loss. This condition, also known as a calorie deficit, occurs when you expend more calories than you consume over a given period, forcing the body to use its stored reserves for fuel.

What Does It Mean to Be in a Negative Energy Balance?

5 min read
According to one study, the body loses an average of 60–80% of its weight from body fat when in a negative energy balance. To achieve this state, the body must burn more calories than it consumes over a period of time, a process also known as a calorie deficit.

What will happen if you consistently experience negative energy balance?

5 min read
According to landmark studies like the Minnesota Starvation Experiment, chronic calorie deficits can lead to severe psychological and physical changes as the body enters survival mode. So, what will happen if you consistently experience negative energy balance, and how can you tell if your body is suffering from the effects?

What is a negative energy balance diet?

4 min read
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who lose weight at a gradual, steady pace—about 1 to 2 pounds a week—are more likely to keep it off. This is precisely the goal behind a negative energy balance diet, a scientifically-supported method for sustainable weight loss that focuses on consuming fewer calories than your body burns.

What are the consequences of a negative energy balance?

6 min read
Entering a state of negative energy balance, commonly known as a calorie deficit, is the fundamental principle behind weight loss [6]. When energy expenditure consistently exceeds energy intake, the body is compelled to utilize stored energy reserves, primarily in the form of body fat [6]. While a controlled and moderate calorie deficit is essential for achieving fat loss, a severe or prolonged negative energy balance can trigger a cascade of detrimental physiological and psychological responses [2]. The body, wired for survival, interprets a significant and ongoing lack of energy as a threat, initiating various adaptive mechanisms to conserve energy and maintain vital functions [2]. These adaptations, while intended to protect the body during periods of scarcity, can lead to a range of undesirable health consequences if the energy deficit is not managed carefully and sustainably [2]. Understanding these potential consequences is crucial for anyone pursuing weight loss or managing their energy intake, as it highlights the importance of balancing energy restriction with overall health and well-being [2].