Ep 157: Bill Campbell on Aggressive Dieting, Dirty Bulking, and Keto Effects on Muscle Building
Mar 22, 2024
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Dr. Bill Campbell discusses aggressive dieting for rapid fat loss and muscle retention. They explore a study on rapid fat loss through a 14-day protocol, including the importance of resistance training. The podcast delves into upcoming research on rapid fat loss in women and strategies for measuring metabolic rate and protein intake. Additionally, they discuss caloric deficits, weight loss strategies, muscle gain strategies, and the impact of keto diet on body composition and strength.
Ketogenic diets aid fat loss but may hinder muscle gain due to suppressed anabolic signaling.
Maintaining a 10% caloric surplus optimizes muscle growth without excessive fat accumulation.
Consider individual goals and dietary choices to balance muscle growth and body composition changes.
Deep dives
Ketogenic Diet for Fat Loss and Muscle Gain
Ketogenic diets are effective for fat loss due to their high satiety levels, but may not be optimal for muscle gain due to the suppression of anabolic signaling. While some evidence suggests that ketones can help lower appetite, the diet may not be more satiating when controlling for fiber and protein intake. In fat loss phases, where carbs are naturally restricted, the ketogenic diet can be helpful, but may not be ideal for maximizing muscle growth.
Caloric Surplus for Muscle Gain
Research indicates that a caloric surplus of around 10% is optimal for maximizing muscle growth while minimizing fat gain. Going above this surplus does not lead to additional muscle gain but results in increased fat accumulation. It is essential to consider the balance between caloric intake and muscle growth to achieve desired body composition changes.
Keto Diet and Anabolic Signaling
The keto diet may suppress muscle protein synthesis and anabolic signaling, potentially hindering muscle growth. Studies show that individuals following a ketogenic diet may experience lower muscle mass gains compared to higher carb diets. This highlights the importance of considering dietary choices when aiming to optimize muscle growth.
Gender Differences in Muscle Growth
Research on ketogenic diets and muscle gain has primarily focused on males, making it essential to consider potential gender differences. While the impact of keto diets may vary between men and women, the general findings suggest that maintaining a balance between diet and muscle-building goals is crucial for both genders.
Practical Applications of Diet Strategies
When choosing a diet strategy for fat loss or muscle gain, factors such as satiety levels, caloric intake, protein content, and fiber play crucial roles. Understanding how different diets impact body composition and strength can help individuals tailor their nutrition plans to align with their specific goals and preferences.
What practical tips can you implement to lose fat as quickly as possible? How does a keto diet impact muscle-building?
Dr. Bill Campbell, director of the Performance & Physique Enhancement lab at USF, is back on the show today. He was on the show in episode 92, where they discussed the latest findings on improving body composition through food selection, fat loss, training, diet breaks, and more. Philip (@witsandweights) invited him back to revisit the latest in rapid fat loss, including the findings from the Wits & Weights Shredtober challenge from 2023 that followed a protocol inspired by his research.
In this episode, they discuss progressive vs. aggressive calorie deficits, when optimal bulking becomes dirty bulking, the effects of a keto diet on muscle-building, and a new study that Bill's research lab is currently planning.
In addition to his academic work, Bill publishes the Body by Science monthly research review, which has now published 20 issues. In that review, you'll find a summary of the two studies discussed today and real-world guidance from two industry experts.
Today, you’ll learn all about:
2:29 Bill's thoughts on the experiment based on his protocol 8:20 The effectiveness of the protocol and cautionary approach to aggressive dieting 11:58 Optimal training program for rapid fat loss 17:03 No resistance training for the most aggressive plan 21:43 New research study on menopause and rapid fat loss 25:18 Exclusion criteria for the new research and the purpose of walking 28:22 Measuring metabolic rate and other considerations for the study 32:43 Progressive vs. aggressive caloric deficits and how to start 40:56 Dirty bulking (Issue 18, Study 1) 44:35 Muscle vs. fat gain limits 51:15 Anti-anabolic effects of keto (Issue 18, Study 2) 55:15 Outro