Part of the energy compensation after intake reduction is a reduction in energy expenditure, i.e. a reduction in diet-induced energy expenditure and a reduction in basal metabolic rate. However, the increase in energy expenditure after an equivalent increase in energy intake is smaller, i.e. just an increase in diet-induced energy expenditure of the same magnitude. The choice for reduction of energy intake with a fixed activity protocol is one option to create a negative energy balance. A negative energy balance in real life often occurs on days with a high energy expenditure because of physical exercise. A short-term response to physical exercise is a negative energy balance on the exercise day, because of an unchanged energy intake.
Compensation takes place on a subsequent quieter day.
Endurance athletes have to learn how to maintain energy balance when exercise days are not alternated with quieter days by consuming food during exercise. In conclusion, a mild negative energy balance under sedentary conditions offers optimal conditions for immediate compensation in lean unrestrained subjects. The energy expenditure and food intake of individual men. Dietary compensation in response to covert imposition of negative energy balance by removal of fat or carbohydrate. Energy intake and body weight effects of six months reduced or full fat diets, as a function of dietary restraint.