Eating protein to lose fat?

Lots of us have seen that one popular weight loss diet is a high protein meal plan. Numerous dieters have been buying and using high-protein diets all across America and Europe, over the past several years. These high protein diet plans promise easy and fast weight loss, but do they really deliver? Also, do the benefits of high protein weight loss diet outweigh the risks associated with the same?

Well, the answer can be a big YES or NO. Let’s find out how.


How does protein cause weight loss?

The direct way
Protein, when consumed, increases the body temperature by a very small amount (in most instances not even a full degree). This slight increase in the body temperature is enough to have a significant effect upon the metabolism of the body, greatly enhancing the calorie burning process. That’s why, the more active you are, the more protein you need. In addition, as a macronutrient, protein also helps curb your appetite, and increased consumption of protein will also help to safely and effectively suppress hunger pangs as well, meaning that you will “snack out” far less, which may help you further lose your weight.

In other words, protein requires much more body energy for digestion and metabolism than it supplies. When excessive protein is eaten instead of needed carbohydrates, the body will try to convert the extra protein into a carbohydrate type of fuel source. This conversion process is an energy-expending process for the body and, as a result, a net calorie or weight loss may occur.

The indirect way
Protein is also an essential component in the development of muscles, and it should be noted that your body has to metabolize calories quicker in order to actively sustain muscles. Therefore, the greater the percentage of your body which is pure muscle, the quicker you will burn that fat off and the harder it is to retain fat.

Risks associated with a high protein diet
1-While several individuals have experienced weight loss with a high protein diet; many studies have also shown that those who over-feed on high-protein foods at the expense of carbs are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.

2-When protein is consumed in greater amounts than can be processed; toxicity of the blood may result from the excessive amount of nitrogen in the blood. Excessive nitrogen impairs working capacity, and the accumulation of a nitrogen product, kinotoxin, in the muscles, causes fatigue.

3-The end products of protein digestion are acidic - urea, uric acids, adenine, etc., which, beyond a certain normal range, will cause degeneration of body tissues, producing gout, liver malfunctions, kidney disorders, digestive disturbances, arthritis and even hallucinations.

4- Many believe that weight loss and health benefits are temporary because the high protein plan is too unpleasant to continue. So people go back to their old way of eating!

In light of the above-mentioned facts, overweight or obese individuals who are interested in working toward better health should consider increased protein intake only along with an overall healthier lifestyle. At the same time, they are strongly advised to consult their doctor to check what type of protein they need and how much!