Research

Mixed

Peak week strategies in non-drug-free bodybuilders, including supraphysiological anabolic steroid use, diuretics, and severe caloric/water restriction, fail to prevent significant losses in lean mass markers and resting metabolic rate.

If you are preparing for a physique competition using performance-enhancing drugs and extreme peak week strategies, be aware that these methods often fail to preserve lean muscle mass and metabolic rate. The combination of high-volume cardio, severe caloric restriction, and polypharmacy can lead to significant muscle loss despite the use of steroids. Individualize your protocol rather than copying a single coach's 'one-size-fits-all' approach, and prioritize muscle preservation over extreme dehydration tactics.

ModerateRefutesMEDIUM confidence
Despite the use of supraphysiological doses of drugs, bodybuilders displayed a statistical reduction of lean mass markers, resting metabolic rate, and fat mass markers, possibly influenced by the performance of high volumes of aerobic exercise combined with dietary energy restriction.
Fernando Noronha de Almeida et al. · Sports · 2023

Why this rating

Observational cross-sectional study with a small sample size (n=10) and lack of control group; bioimpedance may be skewed by diuretic use.

Source

Training, Pharmacological Ergogenic Aids, Dehydration, and Nutrition Strategies during a Peak Week in Competitive Brazilian Bodybuilders: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study in a Non-World Anti-Doping Agency Competitive Environment

Fernando Noronha de Almeida et al. · Sports · 2023

DOI 10.3390/sports12010011

cross_sectional · n=10Cited 6×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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