Intermittent Fasting May Enhance Resistance Training Effects on the Body Composition of Obese Males, Without Affecting Muscular Strength and Anabolic Index.

The IF/RT group lost approximately twofold more weight than the control resistance training group.

• Twenty obese males aged 20-30 with BMI 30-36 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to control (regular diet) or IF (4:3 IF) groups
• All subjects participated in resistance training 3 days/week for 8 weeks
• The IF/RT group lost twofold more weight than the C/RT group
• Blood sampling and anthropometric measurements were conducted 48 hours before and after the protocol in a fasting state
• Data were analyzed at a significance level of p < 0.05

The IF/RT group lost approximately twofold more fat compared to the control resistance training group.

• The 4:3 intermittent fasting protocol was combined with resistance training over 8 weeks
• Fat loss was approximately twofold greater in the IF/RT group than in the C/RT group
• The IF/RT group also had less waist circumference than the C/RT group
• Anthropometric measurements were taken in a fasting state 48 hours before and after the protocol

The IF/RT group had higher arm and chest measurements compared to the control resistance training group.

• Arm and chest circumference measurements were greater in the IF/RT group than in the C/RT group
• This finding suggests potential lean mass or muscle size improvements with the addition of intermittent fasting to resistance training
• Measurements were taken 48 hours before and after the 8-week protocol

Testosterone levels improved with resistance training but did not differ between the IF/RT and C/RT groups.

• Testosterone levels improved following the resistance training protocol in both groups
• There was no statistically significant difference between the C/RT and IF/RT groups for testosterone levels
• Blood sampling was conducted 48 hours before and after the 8-week protocol in a fasting state
• The testosterone:cortisol ratio (anabolic index) was assessed as an outcome measure

Muscular strength improved with resistance training but did not differ between the IF/RT and C/RT groups.

• Muscle strength improved following the resistance training protocol in both groups
• There was no statistically significant difference in muscular strength between the C/RT and IF/RT groups
• This finding indicates that intermittent fasting did not negatively impact strength gains from resistance training
• The study used a randomized controlled trial design with significance level set at p < 0.05