For years, one of the arguments used to support the idea that menopause dramatically slows metabolism came from research by Eric Poehlman. However, multiple publications from his research were later retracted, and the U.S. Office of Research Integrity found that he had engaged in scientific misconduct involving fabricated and falsified research data. Several of the affected studies involved menopause, energy expenditure and metabolism.

Here's something that might surprise you. Most toddlers between one and three years old need roughly 1,000 to 1,400 calories each day to support their rapid growth and development. That means an adult eating only 800 calories is actually consuming less energy than many toddlers. Let that sink in for a moment.