Dr. Willoughby holds BS and MS degrees in Exercise Science from Tarleton State University and a PhD in Neuromuscular Physiology and Biochemistry with sub-emphases in Nutritional Biochemistry and Molecular Physiology from Texas A&M University. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation at Baylor University and is also the director of the Exercise and Biochemical Nutrition Lab. He is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, International Society of Sport Nutrition (ISSN), American College of Nutrition, and American Society of Exercise Physiologists. He is also a Past-President of the ISSN. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and a certified exercise and sport nutritionist from the ISSN. Dr. Willoughby is an internationally recognized scholar and one of the top leaders in the field where his primary research focuses on and the molecular mechanisms regulating muscle hypertrophy and atrophy. Additionally, his research emphasizes nutrigenetics and the effectiveness and efficacy of nutritional supplements in helping to support muscle hypertrophy, attenuate atrophy, and improve exercise and sport performance. He is well published in scientific research journals such as the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Journal of Sport Science and Medicine, International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, and Amino Acids. Dr. Willoughby gives invited presentations at numerous professional conferences regarding sport performance and muscle adaptation to training and nutritional supplementation. He has served as a former collegiate strength and conditioning coach. Personally, he is a former collegiate and semi-professional football player and is presently a Master’s level competitive bodybuilder.

Darryn S. Willoughby, Ph.D., FACSM, FISSN, FACN, FASEP, CSCS, CISSN, EPC, CNS

Associate Professor of Exercise/Nutritional Biochemistry and Molecular Physiology

Associate Professor, Baylor Biomedical Science Institute

Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation

Director, Exercise and Biochemical Nutrition Laboratory

Director, Exercise Nutrition and Resistance Training Research Unit

Director, Resistance Exercise and Nutrigenetics Research Unit

Director, Exercise and Healthy Aging Research Unit

Baylor University

Topic Description:

ADVANCED NUTRITIONAL AND BIOCHEMICAL APPLICATIONS FOR MUSCLE HYPERTROPHY AND FAT LOSS
 
Protein and creatine monohydrate supplementation have been shown to have a positive effect on muscle protein synthesis in response to single bouts or resistance exercise. Moreover, muscle protein accretion and subsequent hypertrophy is augmented in response to periods of resistance training when performed in conjunction with the ingestion of either of these supplements. Protein ingestion has an insulinogenic effect and, combined with the direct effect of the amino acid leucine, stimulates the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in skeletal muscle. Creatine monohydrate appears to be a role as a co-factor in regulating the activity of the myogenic regulatory factor transcription factors, in their ability to result in the transactivation of muscle-specific genes. Lower carbohydrate intakes, along with a higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, in one’s daily diet are known to help mediate body fat loss. A diet lower in carbohydrates may entice the body into relying more of triglycerides as a fuel substrate, thereby up-regulating adipose tissue lipolysis. Polyunsatured fatty acids are known the inhibit the activity of the enzyme fatty acid synthase, which is an important regulator of de novo lipogenesis.