Study: Higher Protein Intake Associated w/ Lower Body Fat

minizebu

Higher Dietary Protein Intake is Associated with Lower Body Fat in the Newfoundland Population
http://www.la-press.com/higher-dietary-protein-intake-is-associated-with-lower-body-fat-in-the-article-a1969
(Click the "Download PDF" button to read the entire study.)

This study has been out for a while. It certainly won't be news to many folks who already consume more protein than the average bear. However, the researchers involved with this study concluded that "higher protein intake, even in the absence of energy restriction, is associated with a more favorable body composition in the general population."

The following is a quote from PAGE 31, second paragraph:

To further address the effect of carbohydrate intake on the inverse relationship between dietary protein and body composition, we chose to repeat all dietary protein analyses after adjustment for carbohydrate intake. All significant associations between dietary protein intake and markers of body composition remained (P , 0.001 for all variables measured including weight, waist circum- ference, waist-to-hip ratio, BMI, %BF, and %TF).

This means that REGARDLESS OF THE LEVEL OF CARBOHYDRATE CONSUMPTION, a higher protein intake will result in more favorable body composition. One need not drastically reduce carbohydrates to benefit from a higher protein diet.

yarwell

% Calories from protein 17.0 (4.7)
% Calories from carbohydrate 55.2 (9.4)
% Calories from fat 24.4 (8.3)

if we take 2 sds above the mean the protein was only 26.4 % of calories so there aren't many high protein eaters in the Newfoundland population as studied.

LivingInPuglia

Basis of the Dukan diet ........ high protein, and not very much else!

minizebu

if we take 2 sds above the mean the protein was only 26.4 % of calories so there aren't many high protein eaters in the Newfoundland population as studied.

This is the point. One need not resort to drastic carbohydrate reduction in order to effect a better body composition. If the average person is consuming only around 17%-18% protein, then a small increase in protein intake (with corresponding reductions in fat/carbohydrate consumption) will have a positive affect on the markers of body composition.

Ultra-low carb intake is not necessary. Many people find it difficult to adopt these ultra-low carb diets (Atkins, Dukan). The big takeaway from this study is that even a modest increase in protein intake will be helpful.

If a person feels deprived on a particular diet regimen, then that person will be less likely to stick with it and will be less likely to succeed in his or her weight loss efforts. If modest changes in diet are easier to stick with, then losing weight and improving body composition will also be easier.

minizebu

Basis of the Dukan diet ........ high protein, and not very much else!

Uh, no. You obviously didn't take the time to read anything more than the title of this thread.