From semi-starvation to the stage: a case report on indicators of low energy availability in a drug-free bodybuilder during contest preparation and peak week.

ABSTRACT: Natural bodybuilding competitions involve periods of low energy availability (EA) combined with resistance training and high-protein diets to achieve extreme leanness. This study tracked a drug-free bodybuilder adopting evidence-based nutrition practices during 18 weeks of contest preparation. We measured endocrine function, resting energy expenditure, respiratory exchange ratio, body composition, resting heart rate, oral temperature, mood, and strength performance. Endocrine function was remeasured after 2 days of energy repletion. From baseline to week 18, free triiodothyronine (T3) and total testosterone (TT) fell into clinically low (2.7 pmol/L^-1) and sub-clinically low (9.1 nmol/L^-1) ranges. Resting energy expenditure decreased by -519 kcal (REE_ratio 0

SUBMITTER: Ritson AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11601077 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature