Effects of different weight loss treatments on weight cycling and metabolic measures in male mice.

The effects of different weight loss treatments on subsequent weight regain, food efficiency, body composition, metabolic rate, and corticosterone concentrations were investigated in obese male B6D2F1 mice. Treatment groups were: restricted (RES, food restricted); exercised (EX, treadmill exercised); sham control (SHAM, treadmill exposure, not exercised); lab chow control (LC). Weight loss, regardless of treatment, resulted in increased rate of weight regain and food efficiency. There were significant alterations in body composition after a cycle of weight gain/loss. These results demonstrate that a cycle of weight gain/loss causes increased food efficiency and concomitant alterations in body composition in male mice.