While many gym-goers believe that eating less and exercising more is the best formula for losing and maintaining body weight, it may actually slow metabolism and eventually cause weight gain.

Undereating is common among recreational female runners, but many don’t realize it can create too wide a gap between caloric intake and expenditure. This poses a problem for female runners, who often face societal pressure to maintain their physique.

Dr. Joanne Donoghue, Assistant professor of Osteopathic Manual Medicine at the New York Institute of Technology, looks into a specific case where this may hurt some athletes.

Listen to her findings in the Academic Minute.