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How does calorie deficit influence muscle growth and strength?

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Summary of a review looking at how calorie restriction affects resistance training muscle and strength gains.

Who

Two analysis:

Analysis 1: 282 sedentary or physically-inactive individuals aged 60±11 years who participated in 8-20 weeks of whole-body resistance training 2-3 times a week (World).

Analysis 2: 1213 sedentary or physically-inactive individuals aged 51±16 years who participated in 3-28 weeks of whole-body resistance training 2-4 times a week (World).

1RMone repetition maximum, the maximal weight lifter for 1 repetition

Design

Review with meta-analysis of studies that directly compared resistance training with or without energy restriction (analysis 1); or studies matched for age and sex where one study focused on resistance training only and the other on resistance training with energy deficit (analysis 2).

Outcome measures

  • lean mass gains
  • strength gains

Main results

How does calorie deficit influence muscle growth and strength? - Infographic

  • Analysis 1: 7 studies (6 in women, 1 in women and men) compared the effects of resistance training with and without energy restriction. Lean mass gains were reduced if calories were restricted, but strength gains were not.
  • Analysis 2: 52 studies (24 in women, 10 in men, 18 in women and men) showed a positive effect on lean mass gains with resistance training without calorie restriction and a negative effect with calorie restriction. Both resistance training with and without calorie restriction had positive effect on strength gains.
  • How much of a deficit is negatively impacting lean mass gains:
    • energy deficit of ~500 kcal per day will result in no lean mass gains.

Take home message

For a clinician & coach
During resistance training, calorie restriction of more than 500 kcal per day will likely prevent lean mass gains, but may still allow for strength gains.
For a parent
Resistance training with calorie restriction above 500 kcal per day prevents muscle gains. Strength gains may still be possible.
For an athlete
Strength training while in the caloric deficit above 500 kcal per day prevents muscle gains. Strength gains may still be possible.

Original article

Murphy C, Koehler K. Energy Deficiency Impairs Resistance Training Gains in Lean Mass but not Strength: A Meta‐Analysis and Meta‐Regression. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. 2021 Oct 8.

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