Increased lean mass with reduced fat mass in an elite female cyclist returning to competition: case study

Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2013 Nov;8(6):699-701. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.8.6.699. Epub 2013 Mar 26.

Abstract

Body composition in a female road cyclist was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (5 occasions) and anthropometry (10 occasions) at the start of the season (Dec to Mar), during a period of chronic fatigue associated with poor weight management (Jun to Aug), and in the following months of recovery and retraining (Aug to Nov). Dietary manipulation involved a modest reduction in energy availability to 30-40 kcal · kg fat-free mass(-1) · d(-1) and an increased intake of high-quality protein, particularly after training (20 g). Through the retraining period, total body mass decreased (-2.82 kg), lean mass increased (+0.88 kg), and fat mass decreased (-3.47 kg). Hemoglobin mass increased by 58.7 g (8.4%). Maximal aerobic- and anaerobic-power outputs were returned to within 2% of preseason values. The presented case shows that through a subtle energy restriction associated with increased protein intake and sufficient energy intake during training, fat mass can be reduced with simultaneous increases in lean mass, performance gains, and improved health.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Athletes*
  • Bicycling / physiology*
  • Body Fat Distribution*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Hemoglobins / analysis
  • Humans
  • Skinfold Thickness
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fats
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Hemoglobins