Posts tagged body composition | XY Files – Veedma's evidence-based men's health articles

Should I lose weight before building muscle? A men’s guide to getting leaner without losing strength

Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert

Jan 11, 2026 · 12 min read

If you’re asking “should I lose weight before building muscle,” you’re really asking how to drop fat without sacrificing strength, testosterone, and long-term metabolic health. The best answer depends on your waistline, your health risks, and how you structure training and nutrition. By Men’s Health Editorial Team “Most men don’t need an extreme ‘cut’ or ...

Gut health and weight loss: the science behind why some men struggle to lean out

Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert

Jan 09, 2026 · 10 min read

Calories still matter, but your gut microbiome can change how your body handles food, hunger, and metabolic “efficiency.” Here’s what the evidence says and what to do next if your weight loss feels harder than it should. Expert reviewed by Dr. Susan Carter, MD “When a man’s gut microbiome loses diversity, it’s like an ecosystem ...

Does lifting weights burn fat? The science-backed answer for men who want visible results

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert

Jan 05, 2026 · 9 min read

Yes, but not in the simple “fat melts during your workout” way most guys imagine. Here’s what the research says about how strength training supports fat loss, how to set up your training week, and what to track so your effort shows up in the mirror. “If you’re asking ‘does lifting weights burn fat,’ the ...

Do low salt frozen meals actually exist? A guide to heart-healthy muscle fuel

Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert

Jan 03, 2026 · 11 min read

The freezer aisle is often a minefield of sodium that threatens your blood pressure and muscle definition. We analyzed the physiology of processed food to help you find convenient options that won’t wreck your vascular health. “Many men focus entirely on the protein count on the box and ignore the sodium content. But if a ...

Can you build muscle in a deficit? The science of body recomposition

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert

Jan 02, 2026 · 10 min read

For decades, gym lore dictated that you must “bulk” to gain size and “cut” to lose fat. New research reveals how men can achieve body recomposition to do both simultaneously, provided they respect specific physiological rules. “Body recomposition isn’t magic; it is metabolic engineering. By dialing in protein intake and mechanical tension, we force the ...