Duration of maintenance phase after finishing a cut

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

I started a weight loss phase on 3/30 and started shifting back towards maintenance on 7/30 after losing 30 pounds and having my waist go from 36.5 inches to 30.75 inches. I’ve increased my calories but I may still be in a slight deficit - I think it’s still a little too early to tell. In any event, my goal is to eventually switch to a slow, controlled bulking phase in hopes that I can gain strength and lean body mass. The weight loss was definitely worth it and I feel much better without the excess fat but my strength took a noticeable hit.

I’ve read on here where Jordan has said there is data suggesting that after a weight loss phase, the body tends to gain fat preferentially when entering a weight gain phase and that a period of weight maintenance after weight loss might help in terms of reducing the amount of fat that is preferentially gained. Is there any recommendation as to how long the maintenance phase might need to be before switching to a bulking phase?

Thanks

2

2-6 weeks. In general, the more aggressive or shorter the cut, the more inclined I am to go slowly. The longer someone has been cutting, I’m cool with making more substantial changes.

3

Thanks Jordan, my cut hasn’t been short but about halfway through, I got pretty aggressive with calorie restriction. With that in mind, should I err on the side of a longer maintenance period of 6 weeks?

4

Eh, that’s a reasonable strategy for sure.