Due to adaptive thermogenesis in a previous weight loss? Since you have lost many pounds successfully this time around, I do not think it applies to previous weight losses. You have severely restricted calories during weight loss this time around, probably more than your previous attempts at weight loss. Remember your VLC days? I imagine adaptive thermogenesis can come into play here. I can see where adaptive thermogenesis provides for weight loss platues. This can account for difficulty in losing more weight. This can account for requiring less calories to maintain weight. This also may mean you will be hungry due to this. I have learned hunger can exist for years even though you are maintaining your new weight.

Have you been trying to lose more weight? I though you were looking for calorie intake that will allow you to maintain weight? Is this why you are trying to find a consumption of calories less than most other people need at your weight? Is this why you are choosing a calorie consumption at 1700 calories, correct? By the way, the study I read dealt with obese people. I do not know if this was a factor in that study. You are not obese. I am having trouble finding studies that concluded this can last for years. I did find that hunger can last years, so this indirectly supports your statement.

https://cathe.com/adaptive-thermogen...r-lose-weight/

“There’s some evidence that very efficient metabolic adaptation partially explains why obese people have difficulty losing weight. Some obese individuals have a more extreme adaptive response to calorie restriction that makes it hard for them to shed extra pounds. ”

“One thing you can do is avoid weight cycling since this appears to be a major contributor to adaptive thermogenesis.” This will be the hard part.

“Keep your calorie deficit reasonable – 20 to 25% of the calories you need for maintenance. Research suggests using the smallest calorie deficit possible that still allows you to lose weight to avoid a metabolic slowdown. Slow weight loss takes a little more patience but it’s worth it.”

I think you may have lost all the weight you are able to at this point. This may change in the furure where you can lose more weight. I think it will be interesting what happens to your weight over the rest of the week. IMO I think you should find the maximum number of calories where you still can maintain your weight. Does this make sense to you?