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Comparing exercise modalities during caloric restriction: a systematic review and network meta-analysis on body
Yongchao Xie1, Yu Gu2, Zhen Li1
1Centre for Sport Nutrition and Health, Centre for Nutritional Ecology, School of Physical Education (Main Campus), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
Frontiers in Nutrition
|June 13, 2025
Summary
Combining moderate-to-low intensity resistance or aerobic exercise with caloric restriction (CR) is best for fat loss and preserving lean body mass. This strategy optimizes body composition for better overall health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Science
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Caloric restriction (CR), intermittent fasting (IF), and ketogenic diets (KD) are popular for body composition.
- IF and KD have adverse effects; CR may reduce lean body mass.
- CR combined with exercise (CR+EX) is preferred, but optimal exercise types are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the most effective exercise regimen when combined with caloric restriction (CR) for improving body composition.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for CR+EX strategies.
- To address the need for direct comparisons between exercise modalities under caloric deficit.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to September 2024.
- Searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library; registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024588241).
- Included healthy populations, assessed risk of bias using Cochrane tool, and ranked interventions using SUCRA.
Main Results:
- 62 RCTs with 4,429 participants analyzed.
- Weight reduction: High-intensity aerobic (HA) > Moderate-intensity aerobic (MA) > Low-intensity aerobic (LA) > CR.
- Fat mass reduction: LA > HA > MA; Lean body mass preservation: CR+moderate/low-intensity resistance/aerobic exercise showed best results compared to CR alone or high-intensity exercise.
Conclusions:
- Combining moderate- and low-intensity resistance or aerobic exercise with CR optimizes fat loss.
- This combined approach is superior for preserving lean body mass.
- CR with moderate-to-low intensity exercise is a highly effective strategy for body composition improvement.
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