The Claim
In adult women with obesity, both continuous and intermittent caloric restriction protocols with standardized protein intake (1.2 g/kg/day) result in an increase in fat-free mass over 12 weeks, which reflects changes in hydration or glycogen storage rather than true muscle gain.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In adult women with obesity, following either continuous or intermittent calorie restriction with 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day for 12 weeks leads to an increase in fat-free mass due to changes in water content or glycogen storage, not an increase in muscle tissue.
See the scientific wording
In adult women with obesity, both continuous and intermittent caloric restriction protocols with standardized protein intake (1.2 g/kg/day) result in an increase in fat-free mass over 12 weeks, which may reflect changes in hydration or glycogen storage rather than true muscle gain.
When people eat fewer calories but still get enough protein, their muscles store more sugar and water, which makes their lean body mass number go up even though they don't gain new muscle tissue.
What the research says
1 studyWhen women with obesity ate fewer calories either every day or with breaks, their lean body mass numbers went up — but this doesn’t necessarily mean they gained more muscle; it could just be more water or sugar stored in their muscles. The study saw this happen, which matches the claim.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.