Final answer:
The statement that a compensatory change to eating too little is a reduction in energy expenditure is true. The body decreases its basal metabolic rate as a way to conserve energy when there is a deficit in energy intake.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or False: A compensatory change to eating too little is a reduction in energy expenditure. The correct answer is A) True. When an individual consumes less energy than the body requires, the body often responds by reducing its basal metabolic rate (BMR). This is a compensatory mechanism that helps prevent excessive energy deficit and weight loss. The body becomes more efficient at using energy, slowing down various metabolic processes to conserve energy. For instance, prolonged fasting or severe calorie reduction can lead to a significant decrease in BMR as an adaptive mechanism during times of scarcity.
During under-eating, the body will preferentially decrease metabolic rate rather than quickly depleting its fat stores. This can lead to feeling chillier and less energetic. Such a response is why dieting can become less effective after the initial weight loss, as the body adjusts to the lower energy intake, making it more challenging to lose weight.