The study followed 40 young men who underwent a month of hard exercise. The participants also cut dietary energy by 40 per cent of what they would normally require. They followed a demanding six-days-a-week exercise routine. Study author Dr Stuart Phillips, professor of kinesiology at McMaster, said: ‘These guys were in rough shape, but that was part of the plan."
"We wanted to see how quickly we could get them in shape: lose some fat, but still retain their muscle and improve their strength and fitness."
"The participants were divided into two groups. Both groups went on low calorie diets, but one had higher levels of protein than the other. The higher-protein group had muscle gains of an average 2.5 pounds, despite consuming insufficient energy."
Meanwhile, the lower protein group didn’t add muscle. However, the low protein group also did not lose muscle – which can be expected if people cut calories and don’t work out.
Dr Phillips said: ‘Exercise, particularly lifting weights, provides a signal for muscle to be retained even when you’re in a big calorie deficit.’
But surprisingly, the high protein group also lost more muscle group, the scientist added.
Dr Phillips said: ‘We designed this program for overweight young men, although I’m sure it would work for young women too, to get fitter, stronger and to lose weight fast.
‘It’s a tough program and not something that’s sustainable or for those looking for quick and easy fix.
‘We controlled their diets, we supervised the exercise and we really kept these guys under our “scientific” thumb for the four weeks the participants were in the study.’
The scientists hope to conduct a follow-up on women.
In the next study, they plan on using an approach that is ‘a little easier and much more sustainable.’
The study was published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Culled From Daily Mail.
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