202307031106 Status: #idea #🧠 Tags: #health #diet #discipline # Minimum Effective Dose (MED) > _"The minimum effective dose (MED) is defined simply: the smallest dose that will produce a desired outcome."_ > — [[Tim Ferriss]] #quote ### Overview The concept of the Minimum Effective Dose (MED) revolves around identifying the least amount of effort or input required to produce the desired result. In the realm of health and fitness, this idea is instrumental in preventing overexertion and maximizing efficiency. By understanding and applying the MED, one can avoid unnecessary strain, reduce the risk of injury, and achieve faster results. ### Examples 1. For tanning: If 15 minutes in the sun triggers a melanin response, anything beyond that is redundant and might lead to burning. 2. In muscle training: Activating the local growth mechanism for a particular muscle group might require just 80 seconds of tension using a specific weight, say 23kg, once every seven days. ### Further Reading - [The 4-Hour Body - Minimum Effective Dose](https://tim.blog/2010/12/18/4-hour-body/) - [Principles of Training: Use It or Lose It, Specificity, Overload, and Minimum Effective Dose](https://opexfit.com/blog/principles-of-training-use-it-or-lose-it-specificity-overload-and-minimum-effective-dose/) - [The Concept of the Minimum Effective Dose and Why It’s Critical for You](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/minimum-effective-dose-why-less-is-more_b_585ccf96e4b04d7df167cb5c)