Conventional wisdom holds that those looking to cut body fat should eat less and exercise more. Only half of that is true, according to a new study. The investigators observed 661 adolescents and found that body fat percentage is negatively correlated with energy intake.

[Figure: Gross oversimplification of study concept: eat more to be skinny]

Physical activity, time watching television, and protein in diet? None were predictors for body fat once corrected for caloric input.

So what’s going on? Does this mean it’s time to stuff yourself with ice cream? Hardly. A restrictive diet leaves you too tired to exercise. High energy ‘throughput’ is the key to a lean body.

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(This post is part of the 100/100/100 challenge)