ExEE and NEAT can help protect against unhealthy weight gain in the face of our current abundance of highly palatable food. Although body fat stores can be reduced by creating an energy deficit, severe energy restriction by dieting can result in metabolic adaptations that sabotage maintenance of lost weight. Increases in physical activity can contribute to increased energy expenditure, but the magni- tude of this increase is often quite small for the beginning exerciser. Realistic expectations regarding energy intake and expenditure and their effects on body weight and composition must replace the often mythical promises marketed to hopeful consumers by advertisements, gimmickry, and fad diets. Understanding the behavioral and metabolic features of the elite or recreational athlete is important in developing the most effective individualized approaches to facilitate their achievement of a healthy and competitive body weight and composition.
212 SECTION 2: SPORTS NUTRITION ASSESSMENT AND ENERGY BALANCE