(The FASEB Journal. 2013;27:851.7)
The effect of high protein diet on weight reduction and maintenance in overweight adults
Hsin Nung Kao
Obesity is associated with several chronic diseases such as metabolic syndromes, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular diseases, and gout. Dietary control and regular exercise are the cornerstones of therapies. This objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a 4-week high protein diet with conventional low-caloric diet on weight loss, changes of body composition, and rebound of body weight after intervention and follow-up. Forty overweight adults with body mass index greater than 24 kg/m2 were recruited. Those who were taking estrogen therapy, receiving hyperlipidemia, hypertension and hyperglycemia medication and having abnormal liver, renal and heart problems were excluded. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups, experimental group (high protein diet) and control group (conventional low-caloric diet). All of the subjects received 1200~1500 kilocalorie per day and a nutrition-life behavior modification lecture at least an hour per week. The proportion of three major nutrients in the experimental group was 40:30:30, while in the control group was 60:15:30, carbohydrate: protein: fat. The body composition and biochemical index were measured in week 0, 4, and 16, respectively. After a 4-week intervention, the subjects in high protein group had a weight reduction about 5–8% and a body fat reduction about 4–6% while those in the control group had a weight reduction about 2–4% and a body fat reduction about 1–3%. The blood sugar level, blood lipid concentration, and the insulin resistance were all improved in high protein group. During follow-up, the subjects in high protein group regained 10–30% of that had been reduced while those in the control group regained more than 60% of that had been reduced. In conclusion, we showed that the high-protein dietary pattern is helpful in weight maintenance after a weight reduction program is intervened.