30 Seconds SummaryNew study: do refeeds help preserve muscle mass?
- The study explored whether intermittent refeeds (carb loading on weekends) could preserve muscle mass during weight loss in trained individuals compared to a constant daily caloric deficit.
- Participants were split into two groups, both experiencing the same weekly caloric deficit with one group practicing intermittent refeeding (increased carbs on refeed days).
- Findings indicated a trivial difference in fat-free mass and resting metabolic rate preservation between the refeed and continuous restriction groups, with no significant improvements in muscle mass preservation attributable to refeeds.
- Refeeds led to increased hydration, possibly causing misinterpretations in body composition measurements due to limitations of ultrasound and bio-electrical impedance analysis used.
- Study concluded similar body composition outcomes whether using continuous diet or intermittent refeeding when total weekly caloric and macronutrient intakes are equivalent.
- High attrition rates (>50%) and varying adherence to diet protocols put the robustness and generalizability of the findings into question.
- Overall, refeeds did not offer notable benefits over continuous energy restriction in terms of muscle preservation or fat loss.
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Menno Henselmans
