Introduction
fat loss, FM
Severe energy restriction (SER) strategies have been used for years for the purpose of reducing fat mass (FM) levels. SER is often combined with regimented fitness programs to enhance fat loss while preserving fat-free mass (FFM). Alternatively, competitive fitness and bodybuilding competitors often employ progressive energy restriction (PER) strategies of durations between two and four months, in conjunction with resistance training and often cardiovascular exercise (a.k.a., concurrent training) (Maestu et al. To counteract the detrimental effects of a negative energy balance, fat loss interventions should seek to employ strategies that maintain as much FFM as possible (Helms et al. Due to a paucity of research in female athletes as to the effects of energy restriction combined with regimented exercise, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of an 8-week high-protein SER or PER dietary intervention accompanied by a high-volume concurrent training (CT) program on body composition and strength-related variables in resistance-trained women. We hypothesized that eight weeks of a PER intervention would elicit a greater reduction in FM while maintaining FFM and strength levels compared to a SER due to a better adherence to the nutritional strategy in resistance-trained women.