After competing in natural bodybuilding, athletes typically regain muscle mass and their resting metabolism increases over 12 weeks, with muscle mass rising by about 1.6 kg on average, suggesting...

We’ve reviewed one assertion on whether natural physique athletes regain muscle and metabolism after competition, and it supports the idea that they do. What we’ve found so far is that, on average, athletes regain about 1.6 kilograms of muscle mass within 12 weeks after competing, along with an increase in resting metabolism [1]. This change appears to involve more than just fat or water weight gain—it suggests a rebuilding of muscle tissue and restoration of glycogen stores, which help hold water in muscles [1]. The evidence we’ve reviewed doesn’t show any studies contradicting this pattern, but it’s important to note that only one assertion was analyzed. We don’t know how many athletes were included, how their diets or training changed after competition, or whether these results apply to everyone. Recovery may vary based on individual factors like age, training history, or how strictly they followed a post-show plan. Still, what we’ve seen so far points to a consistent trend: after the intense dieting and dehydration common in competition prep, the body tends to rebuild muscle and boost metabolism over a few months when eating and training return to more sustainable levels. This doesn’t mean everyone recovers at the same speed or to the same degree—but the available information suggests it’s common for muscle and metabolic function to improve during this time. If you’re a natural athlete coming off a show, this suggests your body has a natural capacity to recover—not just in appearance, but in how it burns energy. Giving yourself time to eat enough, train consistently, and rest may help support that process.