# Independent and Combined Effects of Resistance Training and Whey Protein on Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function in Individuals with MASLD Under Caloric Restriction

## TL;DR

This study examines how resistance training and whey protein affect muscle mass and function in people with liver disease during calorie restriction.

## Contribution

The study reveals the independent and combined effects of resistance training and whey protein on muscle function under severe caloric restriction in MASLD patients.

## Key findings

- All groups preserved muscle mass during caloric restriction, with no significant differences in body composition.
- Resistance training and protein supplementation improved muscle function, but the combination was less effective under severe energy deficit.
- Protein alone and resistance training alone showed region-specific improvements in muscle function.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) often requires caloric restriction (CR) to reduce hepatic fat, but CR can compromise muscle mass and function. Resistance training and whey protein are anabolic stimuli, yet their independent and combined effects under substantial CR are unclear. Methods: In a 4-week randomized, double-blind trial, adults with MASLD (n = 45) under ~30% CR were allocated to four groups: resistance training with whey protein supplementation (E-PRO), resistance training with placebo (E-PLA), whey protein supplementation only (PRO), or placebo only (PLA). PRO groups consumed 1.5 g·kg−1·day−1 protein, while PLA groups consumed 0.8 g·kg−1·day−1. Exercise groups performed supervised exercise 5 days/week. Outcomes included body composition and isokinetic muscle function. Results: Across ~30% CR, all groups reduced body weight and fat mass without skeletal muscle mass loss; no between-group differences in body composition changes were observed. For peak torque, E-PRO improved across all regions except trunk, E-PLA improved except non-dominant shoulder flexors and trunk flexors, PRO improved non-dominant knee flexors and shoulder extensors, and PLA showed no change. For total work, E-PRO and E-PLA increased across all regions PRO improved dominant knee extensors/flexors and shoulder extensors; PLA increased only non-dominant knee extensors. E-PRO and E-PLA exceeded PLA for multiple knee/shoulder/trunk outcomes. Conclusions: In individuals with MASLD undergoing severe CR, ≥0.8 g·kg−1·day−1 of protein preserves skeletal muscle mass. However, the anabolic synergy of resistance training and protein for functional adaptation appears to be blunted by the substantial energy deficit.