Every person aiming to have a fit body most likely means they want to lose fat and gain some muscle. Such aspiration is tough, but in a new study, scientists from McMaster University say they may have found the elusive "holy grail" to achieving this goal.
The researchers claim that they have discovered new evidence to manage weight, limit calories and put a balance to protein intake. While these things seem impossible to achieve all together, it can be done. The catch is, excruciating is an understatement.
"It was a gruelling affair," says Stuart Phillips, study senior author and a professor at the university.
Eating dietary protein that is higher than recommended during active exercise and activity may help preserve lean body mass. Phillips says lifting weights in particular is an indicator for the body so that it would retain muscles despite large calorie deficit.
The goal of the study is to find out whether manipulating protein intake during intense energy deficit and exercise may help affect body composition.
To investigate, the researchers have gathered 40 young men and guided them to perform resistance exercise training and high-intensity interval training six days a week for four weeks.
The participants were divided into two groups. The first group was asked to eat a high-protein control diet (CON group) and the second group, a higher protein diet (PRO group).
The researchers have also made a model assessment of body compositions before and after the experiments.
The findings of the study have shown that the PRO group exhibited more increased lean body mass and greater fat loss than the CON group. The PRO group lost approximately 10.5 pounds while the CON group lost 8 pounds.
The performance of the participants in both groups has improved in a similar way because of the intervention, with no impact on protein supplementation. All of them came out of the experiment, stronger and in a more improved shape.
The researchers have found it intriguing to see that the PRO group lost more body fat. While they expect retention of muscle, they were a bit surprised that this particular group lost more fat than the CON group.
Before rushing to the grocery for some high-protein food and enrolling in high-intensity exercise trainings, the study researchers warn that the regimen is not for all people.
Phillips says he and his colleagues designed the program for overweight young men. Overall, it is very tough and is not really suitable for those who want quick and easy results.
The team plans to perform a follow-up study on women and try a different approach that is easier and more sustainable.
The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on Jan. 27.
Photo: Clark Rickman | Flickr
