Should there be a caloric intake change between powerlifting and bodybuilding?

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hey Dr. Feigenbaum!

I understand that good programming will always aim to increase both strength and hypertrophy in an individual. However, I have never actually trained for hypertrophy specifically and I’m interested in trying a higher-volume approach than what I am used to with powerlifting. Additionally, I would like to increase my overall lean mass as much as I can while I enjoy that new style.

The only thing is, I am not sure how much of a change there would be in terms of caloric intake. As it stands, I am at about 3300 calories per day, averaging 208 lbs in the morning (macrofactor goal set to 220 by November of 2022 back in October of 2021), and have seen an increase of 1 inch on my waist circumference since last measured in December at 34" where I was about 200 lbs. I have seen pretty decent gains in the shoulders, arms, and maybe legs. However, I am weary of the fat mass increase.

If I were to switch styles of training after my first meet July 30, I would love to return to your templates and give hypertrophy II a whirl, but I want to make the most of it and stay in good shape at the same time.

2

I don’t think the energy requirements are that different, if at all, in the long-term when changing RT approach. There may be some short-term energy expenditure differences, but these will be reflected in your body weight changing relative to your current intake. I can’t predict those, unfortunately!

1 Like
3

Thank you for the reply! I assume the novelty of bodybuilding-esque training will produce enough change on its own.

4

I would agree!