The core principle is still calorie restriction, this is just a modifier on top of that. If they ran it with 18k cal per week then both would gain. I don't th

The core principle is still calorie restriction, this is just a modifier on top of that. If they ran it with 18k cal per week then both would gain. I don't think anyone thinks that macro/micronutrients and eating patterns are completely irrelevant, just that they have less effect than total calories, so IIFYM is a good starting point. I would draw an analogy with say, distance running training. My understanding is that it is generally agreed that total mileage run is (within reason) the most important variable, and after that you have things like speed, intervals, other training, etc.