The Effects of Combined Energy and Carbohydrate Restriction on Exercise Capacity

The effect of calorie restriction combined with low or moderate carbohydrate availability on exercise capacity, metabolism and metabolic health indicators will be measured in a randomized parallel group design. Forty overweight (BMI 25-30) and relatively inactive women (20-35 of age) will be included. These will be randomized into one of two experimental groups both receiving a calorie-restricted diet (-1000 kcal) combined with either low carbohydrate availability or moderate carbohydrate availability across a 10 day period. Laboratory-based physical capacity tests and blood and muscle sampling will be performed before and after the intervention. In addition, an additional follow-up test day will be performed after continuing the diet for another 48 h and then standardizing the pre-testing carbohydrate availability before repeating the tests of physical capacity.