Even when resistance-trained men eat significantly more calories and protein than usual for a year, they do not gain more body fat, suggesting the extra calories are not stored as fat under these conditions.
Evidence from Studies
No evidence studies found yet.
What Would Prove This
Per GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this claim, ordered from strongest to weakest.
A meta-analysis of long-term RCTs would determine whether high protein intake consistently prevents fat gain in resistance-trained individuals despite energy surplus.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of all RCTs (≥12 months) comparing high-protein (>2.5 g/kg/day) vs. moderate-protein (≤1.6 g/kg/day) diets in resistance-trained adults, with standardized reporting of fat mass change via DXA or Bod Pod under controlled energy surplus conditions.
An RCT would determine whether high protein intake directly prevents fat accumulation during energy surplus in trained men.
A double-blind RCT with 80+ resistance-trained men aged 20–35, randomized to consume either 3.0 g/kg/day protein + 20% energy surplus or 1.6 g/kg/day protein + 20% energy surplus for 12 months, with weekly body composition via DXA and strict dietary control via weighed food intake.
A cohort study would assess whether long-term high protein intake is associated with lower fat mass gain in resistance-trained men consuming energy surpluses.
A prospective cohort following 300+ resistance-trained men aged 20–40 who consume energy surpluses (>120% TDEE) and self-report protein intake, with annual DXA scans to track fat mass change over 5 years.
A cross-sectional study could identify whether higher protein intake correlates with lower fat mass in resistance-trained men with known energy surpluses.
A cross-sectional survey of 500+ resistance-trained men aged 20–40 with documented energy surplus (>115% TDEE), measuring self-reported protein intake and single-time-point fat mass via bioimpedance or skinfold.
A case series could document rare instances of fat gain despite high protein intake in resistance-trained men.
A case series of 10+ resistance-trained men who consumed >3.0 g/kg/day protein and >120% TDEE for ≥2 years and experienced unexpected fat mass gain (>5% increase) despite training.