Adding high-intensity interval training to a very low-carb diet doesn't stop the muscle loss that happens when people with excess body fat eat very few carbs for 12 weeks.
Scientific Claim
Very low-carbohydrate high-fat diets combined with high-intensity interval training do not prevent lean body mass loss in overfat adults during the intervention period.
Original Statement
“Total lean mass significantly decreased after 4 weeks by 4.7 [3.9; 5.7] % and 3.9 [3.1; 5.1] % in the VLCHF and VLCHF+HIIT groups, respectively. These changes remained stable over the 8 and 12 week measurements (4.2 [3.1; 5.2] % and 4.9 [3.8; 6.5] %, respectively). Exercise in the VLCHF+HIIT group did not prevent this lean body mass change.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
probability
Can suggest probability/likelihood
Assessment Explanation
While the study shows association between VLCHF diet and lean mass loss regardless of exercise, the authors note that DXA may interpret body water loss as lean mass loss due to accelerated sodium and water excretion with low-carb diets. The causal claim should be qualified.
More Accurate Statement
“Very low-carbohydrate high-fat diets combined with high-intensity interval training are associated with similar lean body mass loss as diet alone in overfat adults during the intervention period, though this may partly reflect body water loss.”