Energy deficiency impairs resistance training gains in lean mass but not strength: A meta-analysis and meta-regression

Methodology

Meta-analysis

Population

59 studies, 1,495 participants; healthy adults in RT interventions

Intervention

Resistance training under energy deficit vs energy balance/surplus

Findings

Caloric energy deficit significantly impaired lean-mass gains from resistance training but did not significantly impair strength gains. Larger energy deficits were associated with greater impairment of lean mass, supporting minimizing deficit magnitude when muscle gain is a goal.

Outcome measures

Lean mass gains, strength gains

Limitations

Heterogeneity; varying deficit magnitudes; dietary protein not always controlled; mostly untrained.

Original source

DOI: 10.1111/sms.14075