30 Seconds Summary
Research Spotlight: Effects of keto + lifting on body composition

  • Ketogenic diets, which are low in carbs and high in fats, are explored in the context of lifting weights and their effect on body composition.
  • A meta-analysis showed that ketogenic diets result in more significant reductions in overall weight, fat mass, and body-fat percentage compared to non-ketogenic diets.
  • Individuals on ketogenic diets experienced greater loss of fat-free mass (muscle and other lean tissue).
  • Research indicates ketogenic diets could result in smaller gains in muscle strength and size versus non-ketogenic diets.
  • Though ketogenic diets are not optimal for muscle hypertrophy, they can be effective for weight loss and managing hunger.
  • For those primarily focused on adding or retaining lean muscle mass, diets with a more traditional balance of macronutrients might be more beneficial, especially for high-repetition strength training.

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