Fasted Exercise and Increased Dietary Protein Reduces Body Fat and Improves Strength in Jockeys.

The study investigated the impacts of a tailored diet and exercise regimen on the metabolism, body composition, bone and mental health of jockeys, revealing a reduction in body fat and weight and improved physical strength, while sustaining lean mass and bone health without detrimental effects on mental health.

Study Design and Methodology

• The research was an intervention-based study focused on a group of 10 jockeys, who were subjected to a specifically assigned diet and exercise regime over a period of 6 weeks.
• The dietary program was personalized based on each jockey’s weight, and consisted of specified amounts of Carbohydrate (2.5-3.5 g/kg), Protein (2.5 g/kg), and Fat (1.0 g/kg).

Key Findings

• The 6-week diet and exercise intervention led to a decrease in body mass (59.2±4.6 to 57.6±4.5 kg), fat mass (7.5±3.5 to 6.2±2.6), and body fat percentage (13.1±5.9 to 11.5±4.9%), showcasing the effectiveness of the intervention at reducing body fat.
• No significant changes were observed in lean mass (47.1±5.3 to 47.0±5.5 kg), implying that the intervention maintained lean mass.
• There were significant increments in Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR), VO2max (a measure of maximal oxygen consumption), chest and leg strength, and jumping height, indicating enhanced physical strength.
• The bone health of the jockeys, assessed via Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) measurements for hip and lumbar areas, remained constant, signifying that the intervention had no detrimental impact on bone health.
• Psychometric evaluations using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) displayed no significant changes, suggesting that the intervention had no adverse effects on mental health.

Implications and Conclusions

• The research demonstrated a potentially healthier alternative to traditional weight-making practices among jockeys that often encompass food deprivation and dehydration.
• The intervention suggested in this study advocates for a controlled and balanced diet high in protein and moderate exercise during a fasted state to effectively manage weight and improve strength, without posing risks to bone and mental health.