To assess potential long-term effects of weight loss on resting metabolic rate (RMR), the
RMRs of seven obese women were measured by indirect calorimetry before weight loss,
during a protein-sparing modified fast, and for 2 mo while at a stable reduced weight. Body
composition was also determined at each interval. RMR significantly decreased 22%(p less
than 0.01) with initiation of the modified fast. RMR values during the modified fast and during
the maintenance diet at stable reduced weight were not different and all were significantly …