title: Perceived importance of dietary protein to prevent weight gain: a national survey among midlife women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Evaluate reported use of the practice of "eating more protein" to prevent weight gain among midlife women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional national survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  One thousand eight hundred twenty-four midlife women (40-60 y) from the 9 United States geographic regions, primarily married (71%), white (76%), and well educated; half were premenopausal (49%).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Frequency of dietary practices to prevent weight gain, Weight Efficacy Lifestyle score, self-reported weight change and body mass index over the past 2 years, and current protein intake.
  
  
  METHODS
  Linear regression models determined associations between weight change, protein intake, and reported use of the practice of "eating more protein" to prevent weight gain.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most women correctly identified good protein sources, and the majority could indicate the daily percent dietary energy recommended from protein. "Eating more protein" to prevent weight gain was reported by 43% of women as a practice to prevent weight gain and was associated with weight loss over a 2-year period and with increased percent energy from protein.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reported use of the practice of "eating more protein" was associated with weight loss over 2 years. Education regarding dietary protein requirements may enhance the use of this practice.
authors.affiliation: College of Graduate Health Sciences, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN 55431, USA. naldrich@nwhealth.edu
authors.forename: Noel D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Aldrich
authors.forename: Courtney
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Susan K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Raatz
authors.forename: Marla
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reicks
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010465:Perception; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins