I have read numerous posts on the site that suggest that gaining muscle and losing fat are almost mutually exclusive in a trained individual. Specifically, I have read that using AS to "cut" from high bodyfat levels is ineffective. Conversly, several members have posted truly inspiring photographs of their results using AS that seem to indicate that AS does help fat loss.
My personal opinion, currently untested, is that AS do help to cut but not because of an increase in conventional metabolism. Although I have no scientific proof of this I believe the following:
When trying to lose weight we all know that calories deficit is the botom line that dictates how much weight you lose. The overall ratio of fat to muscle loss is the key issue. In a normal diet situation involving a thermogenic, aerobic excercies, and a nutritionally sound (macronutrient raio and meal frequency etc.) but calorically restricted diet results in a high loss of bodyfat and minimal to moderate loss of muscle tissue. I think that given the addition of AS to the aforementioned "diet" parameters, that the minimal to moderate loss of muscle tissue becomes a minimal loss to moderate gain in muscle tissue.
I want to know what everyone thinks about this subject and the specific mechanisms they feel are involved that support their opinion on the subject. The anecdotal evidence that I have collected sure seems to indicate that a cycle of AS could really accelerate someone to their fatloss goals... I have done a couple bulking cycles that rocked but then got a serious injury that put me totally out of the gym (barely walking) for over 6 months. Combined with a new job that has me working 60-80 hours a week, I balloned up! I wish my appetite would have gotten injured

. Anyway, I am about 6'4" 295 lbs and about 25% bf by skinfold measurements.
***Is it possible to loss muscle tissue during certain times of the day while dieting and then have an offsetting or even greater muscle gain due to AS following a workout/optimal recovery meal or during rest?***
***What is your experience with cutting cycles?***
***What did you or the individual you know about do for his cycle?***