Weight Loss, Body Composition and Protein Intake in Athletes

Question 1

Body composition and weight can affect… (6)

Answer 1

economy, agility, strength, power, heat dissipation and appearance

Question 2

Reductions in lean mass during weight loss may be prevented with…

Answer 2

A slower rate of weight loss in conjunction with resistance training
– research demonstrates that reductions in MPS w/ weight loss is ‘rescued’ w/ resistance training and increased protein intake

Question 3

What are the effects of weight loss on muscle protein synthesis

Answer 3

is reduced during energy restriction

– muscle loss could be greater in individuals with lower body fat during weight loss

Question 4

What is energy availability, and how is it calculated?

Answer 4

Energy availability is the amount of dietary energy available to the body to perform all other functions after cost of exercise is subtracted
EA (kcal/kg FFM) = [Total dietary intake - energy expenditure from exercise) / FFM (kg)

Question 5

What is the “Weight Overshoot Theory” ?

Answer 5

weight loss leads to reductions in FFM and fat mass
– reductions in FFM lead to upregulation of “proteinstat,” which contributes to weight gain until one’s original FFM is restored, and “adipostat,” which contributes to weight gain until one’s original fat mass is restored
– fat mass accrues faster than FFM during weight regain