The Summary
In a 12-week randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, 102 adults with obesity on a calorie-restricted diet took either a CaHMB-enriched supplement (containing 3g CaHMB and 24g protein) or an energy-matched control. The CaHMB group successfully maintained skeletal muscle mass (gaining a median of 0.7 kg), whereas the control group lost muscle (losing 0.6 kg). Furthermore, the CaHMB group experienced significantly greater reductions in visceral and total body fat, preserved their basal metabolic rate, and showed greater improvements in fasting glucose levels compared to the control group.
Why this is interesting
When we cut calories, our bodies typically burn both fat and muscle, slowing our metabolism. This study suggests that a CaHMB and protein supplement can prevent this muscle loss, effectively allowing the body to selectively burn fat. For anyone trying to lose weight without sacrificing strength or metabolic health, this offers a practical strategy to optimize body composition. It highlights that the quality of weight lost—retaining lean muscle while targeting harmful visceral fat—is just as crucial as the number on the scale for long-term health.