Whey Protein, Resistance Training, and Changes in Body Composition

Healthy men and women will be recruited to participate in 9 months of supervised resistance
training (3 days/wk) and will be randomized to one of three daily supplement groups: Whey
protein, soy protein, or carbohydrate control. Body weight, muscular strength and endurance,
and resting blood pressure will be assessed at baseline, 3, 6 and 9 months. Body composition
will be assessed at baseline, 3, 5, 7, and 9 months. A sub-sample (N = 17 per group,
assessed at baseline and 9 months) will be randomly selected for muscle samples of the upper
leg to determine changes in the size of muscle fibers, and chemical factors associated with
muscle growth. Blood samples will be obtained from sub-sample participants to assess
changes in glucose and fat metabolism, as well as other chemicals likely to promote or
inhibit muscle growth. We will also assess changes in daily energy expenditure and the use
of fuel to produce energy (carbohydrate, fat, protein) that may result from the
intervention. We hypothesize that those individuals who receive whey protein supplements
will have larger gains in muscle and larger losses of fat tissue in response to resistance
training compared to those who receive supplements of soy or carbohydrate.

Inclusion Criteria:

- BMI 25-39.9

- must be 18- 30 years old

- sedentary

- no medications

- stable weight for at least 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

- Tobacco/Drug user

- metabolism altering medication

- gain/lost 10lbs in the last 3 months

- current exerciser