ArticleJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition2025
The harder the prep, the harder the recovery: a qualitative exploration of physique athlete perspectives on competition weight loss and restoration.
Article in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The trial behind it
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Post-competition recovery in natural physique athletes: body composition, metabolic adaptation, and refeeding responses.Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition · 2026Article
- Body appreciation and resilience are associated with self-esteem among women competing in fitness and bodybuilding: a cross-sectional study.Frontiers in sports and active living · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThere is growing recognition of Low Energy Availability (LEA) symptoms in physique sports, however there are no clear recovery guidelines. This study explores how athletes perceive and manage recovery from prolonged and intentional LEA. Findings will inform future recovery strategies aimed at restoring energy availability.
methodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 natural physique athletes (11 males, 8 females) from Australia, New Zealand, North America, and Europe, and data were analyzed thematically.
resultsFive themes were identified relating to weight management experiences pre- and post-competition: (1) pride, suffering, and rationalizing LEA, (2) navigating energy restoration, (3) body image disruption, (4) evolving autonomy, and (5) opportunities for supporting recovery. Perceived recovery was influenced by the severity of energy restriction, coaching support, and athlete readiness. Athletes voiced that psychological flexibility and physiological literacy were interconnected with successful outcomes.
conclusionsAthletes experience benefit from early recovery planning, applying flexible approaches to nutrition and training post-competition, and a shift from aesthetic to functional goals. Identified themes support treating recovery as a deliberate and individualized phase within the competitive cycle, with further investigation needed on optimizing post-LEA refeeding and coaching practices.
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Registered trials
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