Many people believe that a high protein diet will help them lose weight. Though there is some controversy on this, many studies have found no significant weight loss from high protein diets. A two year study was conducted to compare the effects of a diet high in fat, protein, and carbohydrate on weight loss in overweight adults. It was found that weight loss was similar in all diets regardless of the macronutrient emphasized (1). Another study, when comparing high protein to high carbohydrate, concluded equal effectiveness at reducing body weight and fat mass. They did, however, have participants report more satisfaction and less hunger with the high protein diet (2). The reason high protein diets are often recommended for weight loss is due to the fact that protein is satiating and will keep you full longer. In a medical weight loss article, it recommends a high protein diet for this reason. However, it is also made clear that losing weight isn’t about the amount of protein, but the calories consumed (3).
1- F Sacks, et al. Comparison of Weight-Loss Diets with Different Compositions of Fat, Protein, and Carbohydrates. The New England Journal of Medicine. 3009;360:859-873
2- C Johnston, S Tjonn, P Swan. High-Protein, Low-Fat Diets are Effective for Weight Loss and Favorably Alter Biomarkers in Healthy Adults. Journal of Nutrition. 2004;134(3):586-591.
3- High Protein Diets: Can They Help You Lose Weight? The Center for Medical Weight Loss. Copyright 2007-2014.
