Wednesday 26 August 2015

THE ROLE OF HIGH PROTEIN DIET IN WEIGHT LOSS STRATEGY

In the wake of rising cases of overweight and obesity which has gained substantial concern in the public health domain, it is imperative to come up with solutions to address these health challenges either in the short or long run period. 

 Weight loss strategy should be a personalized which embodies healthy eating, physical exercise, energy intake and energy expenditure. A higher protein diet among others has been touted as rewarding strategy in management of overweight and obesity. Studies substantiates this maxim with higher protein energy-restriction diet producing a greater weight and fat mass loss and subsequent reservation of the lean body mass than a low protein energy-restricted diet. 

Protein intake has been associated with weight loss in several ways which includes:-
  • Proteins have a greater satiating effect than both carbohydrates and fats. Studies have also shown that have a breakfast with higher amount of quality protein may help to slow down stomach emptying hence a sustained feeling of satiety which underscores the need for snacking before the main meal.
  • Protein enhances formation of new energy from energy substrates like carbohydrates and fats (Thermogenesis). Energy intake and expenditure  determines the weight of an individual in the long run. When energy intake is less than energy expenditure there is a resultant weight loss and vise versa. Proteins can function to augment body's energy expenditure which is a key factor for individuals on weight control programs.
  •  A protein diet is also associated with increased production of hormones like glucagon which plays a key role is formation of glucose from energy substrates.
References:
  • Weight management- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Last edited 27 July, 2015 by Xlinkbot. Address: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weight_management.
  • Protein, weight management, and satiety -PubMed -NCBI. By Paddon-Jones D, Westman E, Mattes RD, Wolfe RR, Astrup A, Westerterp-Plantenga M. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 May;87(5):1558S-1561S. Address: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18469287
  • The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance -PubMed by Leidy HJ, Clifton PM, Astrup A, Wycherly TP, Westerterp-plantenga MS, Luscombe-Marsh ND, Woods SC, Mattes RD. Address: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25926512. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition April 29, 2015.