Skip to main content

Energy Deficit Resilience

Meaning

Energy Deficit Resilience describes the physiological capacity of an individual to maintain optimal cognitive function, hormonal balance, and physical performance despite a controlled, sustained period of caloric restriction or energy imbalance. This state is characterized by the body’s efficient utilization of stored energy substrates and a minimized, favorable shift in the neuroendocrine response to the deficit. It is a critical marker of metabolic flexibility, indicating a robust ability to adapt to varying energy availability without triggering adverse catabolic stress or severe hormonal suppression. This resilience is key for sustainable body composition management.