Then, Case looked at their performance on tests of running and explosive leg power. She found that the diet didn't negatively affect their performance as did their previous weight loss measures like starvation diets. Moreover, eating more protein helped the athletes increase lean mass rather than losing it.

Because her study was a preliminary one, Case hopes the test will be replicated with a larger sample size. She said this area of research could be useful given the growing popularity of mixed martial arts.

"The more popular the sport becomes, the more people you have wanting to do it," Case said. "These people are cutting weight at every level, and you need some kind of guidelines. You've got to try to get it into these guys' heads that there are better, healthier and safer ways to make weight."

Moreover, Case said this area of research could help people who aren't athletes. Most weight loss research focuses on people who are overweight, obese or sedentary, but she said these findings could help people who are already active and healthy but want to lose weight.

Source: Kansas State University