Methodology
Does Reverse Dieting Work?
Francesco Zen, founder of ZTraining · Last updated 20 June 2026
Why the mechanism is real
During dietary restriction, properly executed, insulin sensitivity rises. That's not a separate trick, it's the same recomposition principle used elsewhere to boost muscle gain.
What actually determines success or failure
How much carbohydrate gets added back, for how long, and which activity it's paired with is what makes or breaks the result. Reverse dieting done as a vague "slowly add calories back" rule misses the precision that actually makes the mechanism work.
Related: What is the metabolic setup principle? · Refeeds and diet breaks, when to use
He built Mr Z, an AI coach trained on his methodology to bring the same approach to a wider audience.