Expert Consensus on Weight Management Strategies for Strength and Physique Athletes Before and After Competition

Buechel, CM, Pumpa, KL, Etxebarria, N, and Minehan, M. Expert consensus on weight management strategies for strength and physique athletes before and after competition. J Strength Cond Res 40(2): e155-e163, 2026-Strength and physique athletes undergo repeated cycles of weight loss and weight gain to optimize body composition for competition, often experiencing periods of low-energy availability and related health and performance risks. Postcompetition recovery strategies remain poorly understood. This study aims to achieve expert consensus on dietary recommendations for weight management strategies in the context of requiring weight loss for competition and weight restoration afterward. Fifteen international bodybuilding and powerlifting experts, including coaches and dietitians, participated in a 3-round Delphi survey. Round 1 collected responses to open-ended questions relating to weight management around competition periods. Responses were thematically analyzed into 85 statements and recirculated for round 2 where subjects rated their level of agreement with each statement. Round 3 consisted of revised statements that had previously failed consensus (30 revised and 11 new). Agreement was reached on 75 statements total (consensus threshold of ≥70%) relating to individualized weight management strategies, weight loss methods, and peaking protocols. The 21 statements that failed to reach consensus pertained to refeeding strategies for postcompetition recovery. Experts emphasized structured refeeding approaches, with most agreeing that bodybuilders require 1-6 months for physiologic recovery and a 10-15% body weight regain. Reverse dieting was not favored, with experts recommending an initial acute energy increase followed by a gradual rate of gain. Powerlifters required less restrictive postcompetition dietary recovery strategies, with most returning to off-season training within 1-2 weeks. Findings highlight the importance of athlete education, individualized weight management strategies, and structured recovery planning.