Intermittent Dieting: Theoretical Considerations for the Athlete

Athletes utilise numerous strategies to reduce body weight or body fat prior to competition. The traditional approach requires continuous energy restriction (CER) for the entire weight loss phase (typically days to weeks). However, there is some suggestion that intermittent energy restriction (IER),...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sports (Basel) 2019-01, Vol.7 (1), p.22
Main Authors: Peos, Jackson James, Norton, Layne Eiseman, Helms, Eric Russell, Galpin, Andrew Jacob, Fournier, Paul
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
adaptive thermogenesis
Athletes
Body composition
Body fat
Body weight
Body weight loss
body weight maintenance
caloric restriction
composition—body
Diet
diet—reducing
Energy
Energy balance
Energy intake
Exercise
intermittent energy restriction
Metabolism
Nutrition research
Obesity
Overweight
Physical fitness
Review
Thermogenesis
Weight control
weight loss
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Summary:Athletes utilise numerous strategies to reduce body weight or body fat prior to competition. The traditional approach requires continuous energy restriction (CER) for the entire weight loss phase (typically days to weeks). However, there is some suggestion that intermittent energy restriction (IER), which involves alternating periods of energy restriction with periods of greater energy intake (referred to as 'refeeds' or 'diet breaks') may result in superior weight loss outcomes than CER. This may be due to refeed periods causing transitory restoration of energy balance. Some studies indicate that intermittent periods of energy balance during energy restriction attenuate some of the adaptive responses that resist the continuation of weight and fat loss. While IER-like CER-is known to effectively reduce body fat in non-athletes, evidence for effectiveness of IER in athletic populations is lacking. This review provides theoretical considerations for successful body composition adjustment using IER, with discussion of how the limited existing evidence can be cautiously applied in athlete practice.
ISSN:2075-4663
2075-4663
DOI:10.3390/sports7010022