Energy balance
Female powerlifters are more likely than males to restrict energy intake and diet for body composition reasons during competition preparation and competition phases.
Female powerlifters should be aware that they are statistically more likely to restrict energy for body composition. Ensure that caloric restriction does not lead to Low Energy Availability (LEA), which can impair reproductive and skeletal health. Monitor energy intake relative to fat-free mass (aiming for >30-45 kcal/kg FFM/day depending on phase).
Females more often reported than males (p = 0.002; φc = 0.181)... reported following an IIFYM/flexible diet. Females more often reported a restricted energy (p = 0.042; φc = 0.116) and a high protein, low CHO (p = 0.001; φc = 0.186) diet than males.
Why this rating
Self-reported survey data; statistical significance is strong (p<0.05) but causality and health outcomes are not measured.
Source
The general nutrition practices of competitive powerlifters vary by competitive calibre and sex, weight, and age class
Andrew King et al. · European Journal of Nutrition · 2023
DOI 10.1007/s00394-023-03233-6
More from this paper
- Powerlifters commonly use IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros) and flexible dieting as long-term nutritional strategies to support performance and body composition goals across competitive phases.Moderate
- Powerlifters increase energy intake on hard training days but do not reduce intake on easier/rest days, prioritizing recovery and muscle growth over caloric deficit on low-volume days.Moderate
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