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The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance
AJCN review (2015) summarising meta-analyses of shorter-term feeding studies: higher-protein energy-restriction periods showed greater weight loss, fat mass loss, and preservation of lean mass versus lower-protein controls, with parallel signals for cardiometabolic risk factors; authors frame mechanisms via energy metabolism, appetite, and intake.
Scope
- Narrative overview of meta-analyses and controlled feeding literature on higher-protein diets for weight loss / maintenance
Pooled themes (abstract)
- Body composition: several short-term, tightly controlled meta-analyses report greater weight loss, fat mass loss, and lean-mass preservation on higher-protein hypocaloric patterns vs lower-protein controls
- Cardiometabolic risk factors: abstract summarises favourable pooled directions on common risk markers alongside weight-management outcomes
Evidence hygiene
- Feeding-study / MA tier—do not substitute for hard CVD event trials; interpret next to named dietary patterns (Mediterranean, DASH) and energy-balance context on
cardiometabolic-dietary-patterns.
Publication
Leidy HJ, Clifton PM, Astrup A, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Jun;101(6):1320S-1329S. PMID 25926512.
Outcomes
- Review of meta-analyses: higher-protein energy-restriction periods associated with greater weight loss, fat mass loss, and preservation of lean mass vs lower-protein controls in shorter-term controlled feeding studies (Leidy et al. 2015 abstract).