The Star Late Edition

Understand­ing the consequenc­es of excess calories and poor nutrition

- VUYILE MADWANTSI vuyile.madwantsi@inl.co.za

DIRTY bulking is a term used in bodybuildi­ng and fitness culture to describe a method of gaining weight and muscle mass quickly, often by consuming large amounts of high-calorie, high-fat foods.

The goal is to consume more calories than the body needs to build muscle, with the assumption that some of the excess calories will be used for muscle growth.

However, this method of bulking has gained a bad reputation in recent years due to its potential negative impact on overall health and wellness.

Dirty bulking is popular among individual­s seeking to gain muscle mass as quickly as possible. However, the consequenc­es of such a diet on mental and physical health are of concern.

While dirty bulking can yield significan­t short-term results, the longterm effects of consuming an excessive number of calories without a proper diet plan are detrimenta­l to the body.

A study in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found participan­ts who engaged in dirty bulking experience­d an increase in body fat percentage. This increase in body fat can lead to various health consequenc­es, including an increased risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

A case study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioni­ng Research demonstrat­ed that dirty bulking can decrease athletic performanc­e.

An athlete who followed a dirty bulk diet experience­d a reduction in strength, power and overall performanc­e on the field. These findings highlight dirty bulking’s effect on athletic performanc­e and endurance.

To build muscle mass while maintainin­g good health, it is recommende­d that one sticks to natural foods and adopts a balanced diet.

A diet that is rich in proteins, good fats, complex carbohydra­tes and whole grains is essential to building muscle mass. Feeding the body with proper nutrients and not just empty calories is key to maintainin­g a healthy physique.

While dirty bulking may offer short-term results, the harmful effects of consuming unhealthy food options and the increased risk of several diseases are detrimenta­l to long-term health.

Maintainin­g a balanced diet with nutrient-dense foods, coupled with regular exercise, is the best way to build muscle mass while ensuring optimal health and wellness.

What people need to know about negative health consequenc­es, including an increase in body fat, high cholestero­l and an increased risk of heart disease.

Additional­ly, dirty bulking can lead to an unhealthy relationsh­ip with food and can cause mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Case studies have shown that dirty bulking can be effective in gaining weight and muscle mass quickly. However, the long-term effects on overall health and wellness can be detrimenta­l.

In one study, participan­ts who engaged in dirty bulking gained an average of 3.4kg of muscle mass over 12 weeks. However, their body fat percentage also increased by an average of 4.5%.

To maintain a healthy and sustainabl­e approach to gaining muscle mass, it is recommende­d to focus on clean bulking, which involves consuming nutrient-dense foods and engaging in regular exercise.

This approach may take longer to see results, but it is a safer and more effective way to build muscle mass while maintainin­g overall health and wellness.

Dirty bulking may seem like a quick and easy way to gain muscle mass, but it can have negative consequenc­es on overall health and wellness. It is important to focus on clean bulking and a healthy lifestyle to achieve longterm success in building muscle mass.

 ?? | ALORA GRIFFITHS Unsplash ?? TO MAINTAIN a healthy and sustainabl­e approach to gaining muscle mass, it is recommende­d to focus on clean bulking, which involves consuming nutrient-dense foods and engaging in regular exercise.
| ALORA GRIFFITHS Unsplash TO MAINTAIN a healthy and sustainabl­e approach to gaining muscle mass, it is recommende­d to focus on clean bulking, which involves consuming nutrient-dense foods and engaging in regular exercise.
 ?? | DOLORES PRECIADO Unsplash ?? A STUDY in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that participan­ts who engaged in dirty bulking experience­d an increase in body fat percentage.
| DOLORES PRECIADO Unsplash A STUDY in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that participan­ts who engaged in dirty bulking experience­d an increase in body fat percentage.

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