Effects of fat loss and low energy availability on the serum cardiometabolic profile of physique athletes.

Low energy availability (LEA) is a health concern for athletes, although it may paradoxically lead to improved cardiometabolic health in the general population. We investigated the associations between LEA, body composition, and serum cardiometabolic profile in 23 physique athletes (DIET) and 21 controls (CONT) during a 5-month pre-competition diet (MID), followed by 1 week of increased energy availability (COMP) and a 5-month weight regain period (POST). Quantification of 250 serum metabolome variables was conducted by NMR spectroscopy, body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, dietary intake by food diaries, and exercise levels by training logs.