Energy Deficit Improves Muscle Function and Metabolism: Study
When it comes to weight loss and overall fitness, many of us are told to reduce our caloric intake and increase our physical activity. While this approach may lead to short-term weight loss, it’s not uncommon for the body to adapt to the new energy deficit by reducing muscle mass and slowing down metabolism. However, a recent study published on bioRxiv challenges this conventional wisdom by showing that a short-term energy deficit, when combined with aerobic exercise, can actually improve muscle metabolism, increase fat oxidation, and enhance mitochondrial function in healthy men.
The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, involved 12 healthy men who were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a control group that maintained a normal energy balance, or an energy-deficit group that reduced their daily caloric intake by 20% for a period of six days. During this time, both groups also performed aerobic exercise, such as cycling or running, for 45 minutes, three times a week.
The researchers found that the energy-deficit group experienced a significant increase in fat oxidation, which is the process by which the body burns fat for energy. They also found that the group’s muscle mitochondria, which are the energy-producing structures within muscle cells, became more efficient and produced more energy.
But perhaps the most surprising finding was that despite the energy deficit, the group’s muscle quality and efficiency actually improved. This was measured by assessing the group’s muscle strength, power, and endurance, as well as their muscle fiber composition and mitochondrial density.
The researchers used several different tests to assess the group’s muscle function, including a leg press, a seated row, and a cycling test. They also took biopsies of the men’s leg muscles to analyze their muscle fiber composition and mitochondrial density.
The results showed that the energy-deficit group had greater improvements in muscle function than the control group. Specifically, they had greater increases in muscle strength, power, and endurance, as well as greater improvements in their muscle fiber composition and mitochondrial density.
These findings suggest that a short-term energy deficit, when combined with aerobic exercise, can actually improve muscle function and metabolism in healthy individuals. This is likely due to the fact that the energy deficit triggers a number of physiological changes that help the body adapt to the new energy environment.
For example, when the body is in an energy-deficit state, it must rely more heavily on fat as a source of energy. This can stimulate the growth and development of new mitochondria, which are essential for fat oxidation. It can also stimulate the production of certain enzymes and hormones that help to improve muscle function and metabolism.
The researchers also found that the energy-deficit group had a slight loss of lean mass, which is the muscle mass that is not composed of fat. However, this loss was not significant and did not seem to have a negative impact on the group’s muscle function or metabolism.
Overall, this study provides new insights into the effects of energy deficit on muscle function and metabolism. It suggests that a short-term energy deficit, when combined with aerobic exercise, can actually improve muscle metabolism, increase fat oxidation, and enhance mitochondrial function in healthy individuals. This has important implications for health and fitness strategies, and highlights the importance of incorporating energy deficit and aerobic exercise into one’s training program.
Source:
https://thepfc.club/blogs/news/what-happens-to-muscles-during-calorie-restriction
