Benefits of high-protein weight loss diets: enough evidence for practice?

Brehm, Bonnie J; D'Alessio, David A

doi:10.1097/med.0b013e328308dc13

Cited by 65Diet and metabolism studiesDietary Effects on HealthMuscle metabolism and nutrition

Benefits of high-protein weight loss diets: enough evidence for practice?

Brehm, Bonnie J, D'Alessio, David A·2008·Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity

DOI 10.1097/med.0b013e328308dc13

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Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: High-protein diets, often with carbohydrate restriction, are quite popular among overweight Americans pursuing strategies for weight control. Recently, well designed clinical trials have evaluated the anthropometric and metabolic effects of these diets. This review focuses on the impact of high-protein diets on energy expenditure and satiety; the diets' effects on weight loss, body composition, cardiovascular risk, and glycemic control; and potential detrimental consequences of high-protein intake. RECENT FINDINGS: Current evidence indicates that protein-induced energy expenditure and satiety contribute to weight control. Randomized, controlled trials continue to show comparable, if not superior, effects of high-protein diets compared with lower protein diets on weight loss, preservation of lean body mass, and improvement in several cardiovascular risk factors for up to 12 months. Evidence that chronic high-protein intake affects glucose metabolism is inconclusive at present. Further study of the long-term safety of diets with varying amounts of protein is warranted. SUMMARY: On the basis of patients' metabolic profiles and preferences, practitioners can recommend individualized, nutrient-rich diets within current nutritional guidelines for weight control. Diets moderately increased in protein and modestly restricted in carbohydrate and fat, particularly saturated fat, may have beneficial effects on body weight, body composition, and associated metabolic parameters. Key issues must be resolved regarding the long-term compliance and safety of chronic high-protein intake.

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Whether increasing protein intake during weight loss can limit the weight-loss-induced loss of fat-free mass is unclear because of conflicting results reported in the literature.
“Whether increasing protein intake during weight loss can limit the weight-loss-induced loss of fat-free mass is unclear because of conflicting results reported in the literature (54, 56, 96, 98, 101-108).”
From Preserving Healthy Muscle during Weight Loss (2017) · cites this paper as [105]

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Authors: Brehm, B. J., & D'Alessio, D. A.
Affiliations: University of Cincinnati (US)
Corresponding author: Brehm, Bonnie J
ORCID: Brehm, Bonnie J
Venue: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Published: 2008-10
Volume: 15
Issue: 5
Pages: 416-421
ISSN: 1752-296X (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e328308dc13
OpenAlex: W2087047824
Cited by: 65
References: 46
Citations by year: 2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 5
FWCI: 0.72
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Current Opinion in Endocrinology Diabetes and Obesity (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Diet and metabolism studies
Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Dietary Effects on Health
Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
Keywords: high-protein diet, weight loss, carbohydrate restriction, energy expenditure, satiety, body composition, lean body mass, cardiovascular risk factors, glycemic control, glucose metabolism, overweight, dietary adherence
MeSH terms: Body Composition, Energy Intake, Dietary Proteins, Energy Metabolism, Humans, Obesity, Satiation, Weight Loss, Diet, Fat-Restricted, Glycemic Index, Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted

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Benefits of high-protein weight loss diets: enough evidence for practice?

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