Preserving Healthy Muscle during Weight Loss
Research snapshot:
2017 review study finds hypocaloric diet and resistance exercise preserve muscle during weight loss.
2017 |
Review |
Protein |
Muscle mass and strength |
Overview.
This study concludes that weight-loss therapy, including a hypocaloric diet with adequate protein intake and physical activity, particularly resistance-type exercise, helps maintain muscle mass and improve muscle strength and physical function in persons with obesity.
Background.
A team of researchers associated with the Center for Human Nutrition at Washington University School of Medicine conducted this study, which was published in the journal Advances in Nutrition.
Objectives.
The study aimed to provide an overview of the effects of weight-loss-induced muscle loss on physical function and to identify therapeutic strategies to preserve muscle mass and improve muscle function during weight loss. It focused on the impact of diet-induced weight loss on muscle mass, quality, and strength, and the role of protein intake and physical activity in mitigating muscle loss.
Study design.
This review analyzed data from various studies on diet-induced weight loss and its effects on muscle mass, strength, and physical function. It included evaluations of caloric restriction, protein intake, and the impact of different types of exercise (endurance and resistance training) on muscle preservation during weight loss.
Results.
The study found that diet-induced weight loss reduces muscle mass but does not adversely affect muscle strength. High protein intake helps preserve lean body and muscle mass but may have adverse effects on metabolic function. Resistance-type exercise was effective in preserving muscle mass and improving muscle strength, while endurance-type exercise had mixed results. The distribution of protein intake throughout the day was also identified as a factor in preserving muscle mass.
Conclusions.
The researchers concluded that a hypocaloric diet with adequate protein intake and regular physical activity, especially resistance-type exercise, is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and improving muscle strength and physical function during weight loss.
Original paper.
Cava E, Yeat NC, Mittendorfer B. Preserving Healthy Muscle during Weight Loss. Advances in Nutrition. 2017 May;8(3):511–519. doi:10.3945/an.116.014506. PMCID: PMC5421125
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