Sigma Nutrition Radio
#508: Why Athletes Can Achieve High Performance During an Energy Deficit – Jose Areta, PhD
Jan 9, 2024
Dr. Jose Areta, a researcher specializing in energy deficiency's effects on performance, discusses how athletes can achieve high performance even during an energy deficit. The podcast explores the concept of energy availability and its implications on athlete health and performance. It also delves into the debate surrounding the impact of energy deficit on performance and the evolutionary perspective on low energy availability. The relationship between energy intake and athlete performance is explored, emphasizing the need for more research and considering other stressors that can affect athletes.
45:08
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Quick takeaways
- Athletes can still perform at high levels and improve performance metrics even with substantial energy deficits.
- Despite low energy availability, certain aspects of muscle quality associated with oxidative metabolism can be maintained or upregulated, supporting physical performance.
Deep dives
Importance of Energy Availability for Athletes
Insufficient energy availability in athletes, when exercise output surpasses energy intake, can significantly impact physical capacity and sporting performance. Prolonged low energy availability leads to disruptions in hormonal, metabolic, and physiological processes, posing potential risks. However, real-world observations show that many athletes, despite having substantial energy deficits, are still able to perform at high levels and even improve performance metrics during training blocks. This raises questions about the adaptations and thresholds that allow athletes to excel under these conditions.
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