Less Might Be More<\/p>\n
More protein, less carbs, no sugar, more carbs, less protein, Mediterranean diet, Atkins diet?! In my thirty-six years I have heard almost every different kind of diet advice imaginable. The one thing that has remained steady is that almost always, what was once \u201cproven\u201d effective is soon replaced by a new magic bullet, sure to make me a size 4 again.<\/p>\n
According to a recent article on Time.com,<\/em> It\u2019s Time to Rethink High-Protein Diets for Weight-loss<\/em>, new evidence suggests \u201cwhile the diet (high protein) may help people slim down, it doesn\u2019t necessarily improve other health problems under the hood.\u201d Wait, so should I re-think it or will it help me slim down? Rethink protein for weigh loss<\/em> \u2013 they just said it will help slim down! Like most weight loss articles and advice out there, this one is no exception and may add to the confusion.<\/p>\n So, what is the scientific premise of this article? The author cites a small study out of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The original study, titled High-Protein Intake during Weight Loss Therapy Eliminates the Weight-Loss-Induced Improvement in Insulin Action in Obese Postmenopausal Women<\/em>, followed 34 postmenopausal women in three conditions: no diet change, calorie-restricted diet (with DRV of protein), and calorie-restricted with increased protein by 150-250 calories. They found that both intervention groups were able to achieve 10% weight loss. Not to shabby! Refer back to the title of the media article and we can stop reading there (weight loss achieved in both conditions, done and done, size 4 here I come!). But, wait, I\u2019m not post menopausal and \u2013 oh yeah \u2013 they mentioned insulin action. So, this sample is not exactly representative of larger populations.<\/p>\n The popular media article, like the scientific study, goes on to explain that the women who did not<\/u> increase protein experienced a 25 \u2013 30% improvement<\/em> in insulin sensitivity, a key risk factor in developing type-2 diabetes. So, surprisingly, the metabolic benefit came to those who didn\u2019t increase protein in their diets. The scientific article also states that the high-protein condition experienced a 45% reduction<\/em> in the weight-loss-induced decline in lean muscle mass. So, higher protein diets resulted in more muscle retention. The authors concluded that protein content of a weigh loss diet can have profound effects on metabolic function. These two major findings have positive implications that relate to overall health, but applications by health practitioners may differ depending on concerns around type-2 diabetes.<\/p>\n Despite the fact that this was a small study including a very specific demographic, health practitioners can still find some important take-aways. Based on the results of the study, if obesity complications such as type-2 diabetes are a concern, then adopting a weight-loss diet that includes protein in moderation should be more beneficial for the overall health of an individual. However, if muscle mass retention is a concern \u2013 as it might be with postmenopausal women, then a high-protein diet helps retain muscle while also losing fat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sifferlon, A. (2016, October 11). It’s Time to Rethink High-Protein Diets for Weight Loss.<\/p>\n