A high-protein diet for reducing body fat: mechanisms and possible caveats
Research snapshot:
2014 review study finds high-protein diets effectively promote weight loss but may have caveats.
2014 |
Review |
Protein |
Weight loss |
Overview.
This study explores the mechanisms by which high-protein diets promote weight loss and body fat reduction, while also discussing potential caveats associated with such diets.
Background.
The study was conducted by a team of researchers associated with Yale University School of Medicine, the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the University of Innsbruck, and was published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism.
Objectives.
The study aimed to investigate the effects of high-protein diets on satiety, energy expenditure, and body composition. It also sought to identify the underlying mechanisms, including the roles of satiety hormones and metabolic changes, and to discuss potential caveats such as the impact on renal function and metabolic health.
Study design.
The study is a critical review that synthesizes data from various clinical trials and experimental studies. It examines the effects of high-protein diets compared to standard-protein diets, focusing on macronutrient composition, satiety, energy expenditure, and long-term weight loss maintenance.
Results.
High-protein diets were found to enhance satiety through increased secretion of satiety hormones (e.g., GLP-1, CCK), reduce orexigenic hormone secretion (e.g., ghrelin), and increase the thermic effect of food. These diets also promoted gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis, contributing to greater energy expenditure and weight loss. Additionally, high-protein diets preserved lean body mass during weight loss and improved metabolic risk factors.
Conclusions.
The study concludes that high-protein diets are effective for weight loss and body fat reduction due to their effects on satiety, energy expenditure, and metabolic health. However, it also highlights potential caveats such as increased acid load to the kidneys and the need for careful selection of protein sources to avoid adverse health effects.
Original paper.
Pesta, D.H., Samuel, V.T. A high-protein diet for reducing body fat: mechanisms and possible caveats. Nutr Metab (Lond) 11, 53 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-11-53
Read the original
