Summermatter cycle
The Summermatter cycle is a
The concept explains why
As soon as energy becomes available again, this originally adaptive, thrifty program supports the replenishment of energy stores and weight regain.[5] Fat deposition is the most efficient way for the body to store energy. This phenomenon of energy store replenishment is driven by a hyperinsulinemic state and is referred to as preferential catch-up fat.[6][7] Satiety signals during the period of food availability automatically lead to rest, which further supports adipose tissue regain and the restoration of glycogen and IMCL pools in muscle. As a result, the majority of people rapidly regain body weight. Exercise increases energy expenditure and can counteract the suppression of thermogenesis in skeletal muscle thereby preventing weight regain. In addition, regular exercise promotes the turnover of ATP, glycogen and IMCLs.[1]
The hypothesis was put forward in 2012[1] and Benton, et al. named the cycle in 2017 after its inventor, the Swiss biochemist, nutritionist and exercise physiologist Dr. Serge Summermatter.[8]
The concept of the Summermatter cycle finds broad application in body weight management to time exercise interventions and avoid catch-up fat (yo-yo effect). Moreover, the concept is used by elite athletes to optimally coordinate their exercise and energy intake.[9]