# Intermittent Fasting May Enhance Resistance Training Effects on the Body Composition of Obese Males, Without Affecting Muscular Strength and Anabolic Index

## TL;DR

Intermittent fasting combined with resistance training helps obese men lose more weight and fat without harming muscle strength or anabolic hormones.

## Contribution

This study shows intermittent fasting enhances resistance training benefits in obese males without negative effects on strength or anabolic markers.

## Key findings

- The IF/RT group lost twice as much weight and fat compared to the control group.
- No significant difference in muscular strength or testosterone levels between the groups.
- Intermittent fasting did not negatively affect the anabolic index.

## Abstract

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the impact of intermittent fasting (IF) during resistance training (RT) on body composition, muscular strength, and the testosterone:cortisol ratio in obese males.

Twenty obese males (aged 20–30, BMI 30–36 kg/m2) were selected from eligible volunteers and randomly assigned to control (regular diet) and IF (4:3 IF) groups. All subjects participated in RT 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Forty‐eight hours before and after the protocol, blood sampling and anthropometric measurements were done in a fasting state, and data were analyzed at a significance level of p < 0.05.

The IF/RT group lost twofold more weight and fat, had higher arm and chest measurements, and had less waist circumference than the C/RT group. The testosterone levels and muscle strength improved with RT, and there was no difference between the C/RT and IF/RT groups.

It appears that intermittent fasting may enhance the efficacy of RT in obese males and is unlikely to have any detrimental effects on muscular strength or the anabolic index.

Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20190213042702N4