Metabolic adaptation is not a sign of a "stubborn" or broken metabolism. Rather, it is a clear physiological demonstration of the body's efficiency in response to perceived energy scarcity. When the body encounters cumulative physiological stressors, it adapts by conserving energy through coordinated changes in metabolism, hormone signaling, and cellular efficiency—an evolutionarily protective response rather than a failure of effort or adherence.

This adaptive response helps explain why metabolism becomes increasingly energy-conserving across a range of physiological scenarios. These may include sustained low energy availability, repeated weight suppression, rapid changes in body mass, long-term unintentional underfueling, cumulative training demands, hormonal transitions, nutrient depletion, and medication-assisted weight loss. In this session, we clarify what metabolic adaptation is and review the underlying physiological mechanisms involved, with a focus on how key metabolic systems respond under sustained pressure.

Topics include adaptive thermogenesis; changes in resting and total energy expenditure; appetite and satiety signaling; thyroid and HPA axis regulation; and shifts in mitochondrial efficiency, non-exercise activity, and recovery capacity. Participants will gain a clear, physiology-based understanding of metabolic adaptation that supports accurate interpretation, thoughtful clinical decision-making, and appropriate timing of nutrition interventions as metabolic demands and capacity change.

Upon successful completion of this one-hour course, the participant should be able to:

• Define metabolic adaptation as a predictable physiological response to sustained low energy availability and cumulative physiological stress.



• Identify physiological scenarios in which metabolic adaptation may occur, including prolonged underfueling, cumulative training demands, hormonal transitions, nutrient depletion, rapid weight change, and medication-assisted weight loss.



• Describe key mechanisms involved in metabolic adaptation, including adaptive thermogenesis, changes in resting energy expenditure, appetite regulation, thyroid signaling, HPA axis activity, mitochondrial efficiency, and non-exercise activity.



• Differentiate adaptive metabolic down regulation from primary endocrine or metabolic pathology within the nutrition care process.



• Apply a physiology-informed nutrition perspective to support metabolic stability, repair, and resilience as metabolic demands evolve.

Live Webinar Date: Feb 05, 2026   (04:00 PM - 05:00 PM Eastern Time) (US and Canada)

Performance Indicators/Learning Objectives: 5.1.2, 10.6.2, 11.2.9, 11.3.4

Target Audience: RDs, DTRs, Health Professionals

Number of Credits: 1.0

Total Cost: 1 Site Credit