Research
Mixed
Fatmax training does not increase fat-free mass (muscle mass) in obese individuals.
Do not expect muscle growth from Fatmax training alone. It preserves muscle while losing fat, but you need resistance training to build muscle.
GoodRefutesHIGH confidence
Fat-free mass remains unchanged (MD = 0.08 kg, p = 0.85).
Why this rating
Meta-analysis of 8 studies with low heterogeneity.
Source
Chronic Effect of Fatmax Training on Body Weight, Fat Mass, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Obese Subjects: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Isaac A. Chávez-Guevara et al. · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2020
DOI 10.3390/ijerph17217888
Meta-analysis · 11 studiesCited 33×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Fatmax training (FMT) performed for 8-20 weeks significantly reduces body weight, fat mass, and waist circumference in obese individuals without altering fat-free mass.Good
- Fatmax training does not significantly increase maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) compared to other forms of exercise, but it does improve it in sedentary obese individuals.Good
Related findings · Mixed
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