Energetic adaptations to weight loss in children and adolescents with obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
The present results highlight the need for further well-controlled and designed studies, especially when it comes to the thermic effect of food, and the need to consider the patients' individual profiles and responses to interventions.
Study context
- Population
- Children and adolescents with overweight/obesity undergoing weight loss interventions (dietary, multidisciplinary, pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery or physical activity-based) with energy expenditure (EE) assessed by indirect calorimetry; MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE to September 202431 studies · 53 intervention arms
- Comparison
- Before vs after weight loss interventions of any type
- Outcome
- Resting EE (REE) after weight loss
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Mean change in resting EE (REE) (small, non-significant decrease, regardless of intervention type)
−130.91 [−492.67, 230.86] kJ
p = 0.467
Further pooled results
REE relative to fat-free mass (FFM)
- Mean change (not meaningfully altered)
- −0.95 [−6.11, 4.21] kJ.kg-1, p = 0.700
Physical activity-induced EE (PAEE)
- Mean change (not meaningfully altered)
- 45.47 [−22.93, 113.87] kJ, p = 0.155
REE decrease by degree of weight loss and intervention type (systematic review)
- Degree of weight loss and multidisciplinary studies (particularly with caloric restriction) appear to result in a greater decrease in REE, especially in girls and in short-term interventions
Original publication
Energetic adaptations to weight loss in children and adolescents with obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 13 March 2026. doi:10.
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