Body composition and power performance improved after weight reduction in male athletes without hampering hormonal balance

J Strength Cond Res. 2015 Jan;29(1):29-36. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000619.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 4-week weight reduction period with high protein and reduced carbohydrate intake on body composition, explosive power, speed, serum hormones, and acid-base balance in male track and field jumpers and sprinters. Eight participants were assigned to a high weight reduction group (HWR; energy restriction 750 kcal·d) and 7 to a low weight reduction group (LWR; energy restriction 300 kcal·d). Energy and carbohydrate intake decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) only in HWR by 740 ± 330 kcal·d and 130 ± 29 g·d, respectively. Furthermore, total body mass and fat mass decreased (p ≤ 0.05) only in HWR by 2.2 ± 1.0 kg and 1.7 ± 1.6 kg, respectively. Fat-free mass (FFM), serum testosterone, cortisol, and sex hormone-binding globulin did not change significantly. Ca ion and pH decreased (p ≤ 0.05) only in HWR (3.1 ± 2.8% and 0.8 ± 0.8%, respectively), whereas (Equation is included in full-text article.)declined (p ≤ 0.05) in both groups by 19.3 ± 6.2% in HWR and by 13.1 ± 8.5% in LWR. The countermovement jump and 20-m sprint time improved consistently (p ≤ 0.05) only in HWR, by 2.6 ± 2.5 cm and 0.04 ± 0.04 seconds, respectively. Finally, athletes with a fat percentage of 10% or more at the baseline were able to preserve FFM. In conclusion, altered acid-base balance but improved weight-bearing power performance was observed without negative consequences on serum hormones and FFM after a 4-week weight reduction of 0.5 kg·wk achieved by reduced carbohydrate but maintained high protein intake.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acid-Base Equilibrium*
  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Body Composition / physiology*
  • Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted
  • Diet, Reducing
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood*
  • Male
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / metabolism*
  • Testosterone / blood*
  • Track and Field / physiology*
  • Weight Loss / physiology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin
  • Testosterone
  • Hydrocortisone