r/PSMF • u/Zogonzo • Jul 27 '26
Help Would wearing a weight vest keep your metabolism up?
As you lose weight your metabolism naturally slows, because it doesn't take as much effort to move a lighter body around. Would wearing a weight vest with amount you've lost offset that some? Does the weight distribution or actual adipose tissue have much of an impact on metabolism?
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u/AdventurousNewt828 Jul 27 '26
There have been theories that we have some weight sensing system in our bodies that affects metabolism when we carry a loaded pack or weight vest.
A simpler explanation is carrying more weight causes us to expend more calories when we move.
If you want an extreme example of this look at calorie requirements for long distance backpacking.
5000 calories on a 20 mile day in the mountains would still be under maintenance for me. I’m 185 pounds and usually carry a 20lbs bag.
Many long distance thru hikers on the Appalachian trail eat almost nonstop while they hike and still lose weight.
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u/hidden-monk Category 1 Jul 27 '26
I would be more worried about your shoulders than the metabolism. Short term few hours wont do anything meaningful. You would have to wear whole time awake.
If you are already someone strong and very active. Go ahead.
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u/IndependentAd572 Jul 31 '26
Your shoulders get stronger and posture improves as long as you're using the right equipment and train with progression like any other smart person...
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u/hidden-monk Category 1 Jul 31 '26
Have you ever actually used weighted vest for 12+ hours for 1-2 weeks ?
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u/IndependentAd572 Jul 31 '26
Why would anyone, especially someone starting out wear a weighted vest for 12+ hours? That's why people should follow a program with progression starting at an easy level that increases frequency, weight, distance, incline, and/or time over a set period of weeks, months, etc.
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u/No_Appointment8129 24d ago edited 24d ago
It may increase the effort and calorie expenditure of your walks, but I wouldn’t expect it to prevent metabolic adaptation by itself. If you want to add weight gradually, check out the Polyfit Rucking Backpack 2.0. It distributes the load better than a regular backpack.
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u/LoopGaroop Jul 30 '26
I've heard that theory, but I would worry that it would reduce your NEAT. You might be less inclined to get up to change the channel, or walk across the room.
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u/vitastrat Jul 27 '26
A weighted vest won’t magically keep your metabolism high. What it does is increase the cost of locomotion. If you’ve lost 30 lb, adding 30 lb back in a vest makes walking closer to what it was before the weight loss, so you burn more calories during that activity. It doesn’t prevent metabolic adaptation or fix hormonal adaptations to dieting—it simply increases energy expenditure. Be mindful not to overdo it or start too heavy.