30 Seconds SummaryCrash Dieting is Still a Bad Idea
- 14 women trained in resistance for at least two years participated in a study comparing two forms of energy deficit diets combined with resistance and cardiovascular training for eight weeks.
- Two diet groups were studied: a severe energy deficit group consuming 25 kcal/kg of fat-free mass per day, and a progressive energy deficit group starting at 40 kcal/kg and decreasing every two weeks.
- After eight weeks, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of body composition or performance changes, despite initially greater intended energy deficit in the severe group.
- Both groups achieved similar total weight loss, with the severe group not adhering as well to their prescribed diet, highlighting possible issues with adherence in more aggressive dieting strategies.
- Comparison between severe and progressive deficit diets suggests that rapid weight loss strategies do not necessarily lead to greater overall weight loss, and can result in poorer body composition outcomes in some cases.
- The study reinforces the concept that slower, more manageable energy deficits might lead to better compliance and overall diet success, aligning with previous research indicating potential downsides to rapid weight loss approaches.
Stronger By Science
Eric Helms
