Br J Nutr 2005 ;93:281-9
Lejeune MP, Kovacs E, Westerterp-Plantenga MS.
At Healthier Weight Centres we know that long-term weight maintenance is a major problem for many. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the addition of protein to the diet might limit weight regain after a weight loss of 5-10 % in overweight subjects.
This report from Maastricht University, Netherlands studied 113 overweight subjects (mean BMI 29.kg/m2, mean age 45.1 years), who were put on a very-low-energy diet for 4 weeks, after which there was a 6-month period of weight maintenance. Subjects were randomised into either a protein group or a control group. The protein group received 30 g/d protein in addition to their own usual diet.
During the very-low-energy diet, no differences were observed between the groups. During weight maintenance, the protein group showed a higher protein intake (18 % v. 15 %), a lower weight regain (0.8 v. 3.0 kg), and a decreased waist circumference (-1.2 versus 0.5cm) compared with the control group.
Weight regain in the protein group consisted of only fat-free mass, (mainly muscle mass) whereas the control group gained fat mass as well. Satiety (feeling of fullness) before breakfast increased significantly more in the protein group than in the control group. After 6 months follow-up, a protein intake of 18 % compared with 15 % resulted in improved weight maintenance in overweight subjects after a weight loss of 7.5 %. This improvement included other factors particularly improved body composition and satiety.
