When muscles get bigger over time, it’s not because they’re filling up with water or sugar stores—it’s because the actual muscle fibers are adding more contractile proteins.

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Evidence from Studies

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Load-induced human skeletal muscle hypertrophy: Mechanisms, myths, and misconceptions

Narrative Review

2025 Nov 21

This study says that muscles get bigger mainly because the actual muscle fibers grow stronger and thicker, not because they just store more water or sugar — so the idea of 'puffy' muscle growth isn't really real or lasting.

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Source Study

Load-induced human skeletal muscle hypertrophy: Mechanisms, myths, and misconceptions

Score: 1

DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2025.101104

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