Intermittent dieting: theoretical considerations for the athlete
Peos JJ, Norton LE, Helms ER, Galpin AJ, Fournier P
Evidence is still limited and needs further study
Summary
A review examining intermittent energy restriction — alternating periods of energy restriction with periods of higher intake (refeeds or diet breaks) — from a theoretical standpoint for athletes. It notes that some studies indicate intermittent periods of energy balance during restriction attenuate some of the adaptive responses that resist continued weight and fat loss. The authors state explicitly that while intermittent restriction reduces body fat in non-athletes as continuous restriction does, evidence for its effectiveness in athletic populations is lacking.
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- The text of this record has been checked against the original abstractWhat was checked: measured outcomes, study design, population studiedA review, so there is no sample size. The authors state explicitly that evidence in athletic populations is lacking; this must not be dropped when citing.
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Key findings
- 1
Some studies indicate that intermittent periods of energy balance during restriction attenuate some of the adaptive responses resisting continued fat loss.
- 2
Intermittent energy restriction, like continuous restriction, is known to reduce body fat in non-athletes.
- 3
The authors state explicitly that evidence for the effectiveness of intermittent restriction in athletic populations is lacking.
- 4
This is a primarily theoretical review and does not draw quantitative conclusions about the preservation of fat-free mass.
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