
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 ...