CSSD Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Resource

Low energy availability in males can lead to unfavorable lipid profiles, primarily due to the body's adaptive responses to insufficient energy intake. When energy availability is low, the hormonal balance is disrupted, particularly affecting testosterone and insulin levels. These changes can result in increased fat storage and altered fat metabolism, leading to higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

This imbalance can contribute to cardiovascular issues and other metabolic disorders over time. In contrast, low energy availability does not support muscle mass increases or improved metabolic rates; instead, it can lead to muscle loss as the body starts to utilize muscle protein for energy. Similarly, glucose utilization may be impaired, as insulin sensitivity often decreases with poor energy balance. Therefore, the consequence of low energy availability manifests in an unfavorable lipid profile rather than health benefits like increased muscle mass or enhanced glucose utilization.