Comments on: The Truth About Muscle Loss When Dieting

By: Synthia Fagen

Synthia Fagen — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 22:19:27 +0000

In reply to Synthia Fagen. I meant to write, "The Truth About Muscle *Loss* When Dieting". It's very nuanced. :)

By: Synthia Fagen

Synthia Fagen — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 22:08:44 +0000

Interesting blog post. I know this is an old posting and possibly your views have changed since you published this in 2018. I also realize you're simply a guy with an opinion, not citing science, and mainly providing content about your anecdotal experience. Still, you have entitled your posting, "The TRUTH (my emphasis) about Muscle Building When Dieting" which is a rather bold statement to make by a random dude with a blog opinion, wouldn't you agree?

The ability to regain muscle after dieting is multi-factorial having much to do with overall health, age, nutrition, hormonal balance, etc. The older we get, the harder it is to gain muscle and even for the most dedicated body builders, it's still hard fought gain, taking a lot of effort. Muscle growth is expensive for the body in many ways. Protein is used not at all primarily for muscle building, which is a luxury after all other repairs, etc. are made. Protecting one's muscle from catabolism is intelligent and the more muscle we gain, the more energy we need at rest, the stronger we are, the more energy we have, etc., even when overweight which will eventually balance out if we keep at it. It's not accurate to make a blanket statement that muscle is easy to gain back once the deficit dieting is over. That's simply not true. It will take a lot of dedication. We need to do both and I don't think we can state in which order it's best accomplished for everyone.

By: Keith

Keith — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 04:26:27 +0000

In reply to Dax. depends how much fat you have to lose, but you should always be lifting (safely, of course) whether you're trying to lose fat or not.

By: Dax

Dax — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 00:47:19 +0000

I know this post is a few years old, but I came across it at the perfect time. I have lupus, and it has really messed up my shoulder. But I want to lose at least 20 lbs of fat. I was so worried that I’d lose the little muscle I had, that I would lift despite the shoulder pain. That’s the thing this muscle loss fear does to people. Plus, in trying to get the amount of protein I supposedly need, I was eating way too much (and making myself and family miserable). I want to be fit and lean … not a competitive bodybuilder. So, should I just focus on losing the fat and once the shoulder heals go back to lifting? It’s so easy just to give up, but I don’t want to do that. Thanks.

By: Clinton Allen

Clinton Allen — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 22:51:05 +0000

I agree losing a little is not the be all and end all but I think an increased focus on muscle retention in the dieting population is a good one. Most people who “diet” don’t turn around at the end and decide they are going to add muscle to their frame. They hit a number and are “done” now with a smaller BMR and a lower total energy expenditure because they aren’t carting a 20kg weight vest around. Neural strength aside, if you have lost 10kg of muscle as someone above mentioned what impact does this have on force output. Does it require Kore energy every future workout to shift a 50kg bar or an 80kg, a 12kg kettle or a 14 500 times? Not saying you can’t lose any but the mindset of retention is an important one too.

By: Mike Rowntree

Mike Rowntree — Tue, 28 May 2019 17:44:53 +0000

You’re very right, good article

By: Keith

Keith — Tue, 07 May 2019 18:48:35 +0000

In reply to Tiffany durden. i agree with you. Who said I didn't believe that?

By: Tiffany durden

Tiffany durden — Tue, 07 May 2019 03:28:38 +0000

Cutting calories to lose weight WILL cause your resting metabolic rate to slow down, permanently. To say or think otherwise is merely an ill informed opinion, and completely ignores ALL the latest research on weight loss. Look this up people. Read the medical journals. The info is out there. Please do not rely on some guys blog.

By: Jesse

Jesse — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 00:41:51 +0000

In reply to Keith.

“Focus on losing body fat, because that’s the hard part. Worrying about muscle loss is just counter-productive.”

That’s you, basically saying don’t worry about muscle loss…

Make up your damn mind dude

By: Keith

Keith — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 20:17:14 +0000

In reply to Dee M. well i never said don't worry about muscle loss. I just said if you want to prevent most of it, then make sure you're lifting weights.