NCSF Sport Nutrition Specialist Certification Practice Test – Complete Exam Prep

When weight loss efforts are undertaken during the in-season, athletes often face negative effects on performance. This is primarily because the in-season period is critical for maintaining peak performance, as it typically involves demanding training and competition schedules.

Restricting caloric intake to promote weight loss can lead to insufficient energy availability for training sessions and competitions. As a result, athletes may experience fatigue, decreased strength, impaired recovery, and a lowered overall energy level, which can hinder their ability to perform at their best. Furthermore, weight loss can also affect muscle mass if not done carefully, which is detrimental to many athletic endeavors where strength and power are essential.

It's important for athletes to focus on maintaining their performance and ensuring that their nutrition supports their energy demands during this critical time, rather than prioritizing weight loss, which could compromise their training and competitive outcomes.