title: Protein diets, body weight loss and weight maintenance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The review addresses briefly the relevance of protein diets for body weight loss and weight maintenance. The addition of recent findings on age-dependent protein requirements, specific effects of protein intake and protein source, the relevance of the other dietary macronutrients, especially of 'low-carb', 'protein leverage', the mechanisms of protein-induced satiety, and food-reward makes the review up-to-date.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Different effects of protein diets in different age groups result from age-dependent protein requirements that are primarily related to effects on body composition. A protein intake of 0.8 g/kg/day is sufficient to sustain a negative energy balance in adults, irrespective of the protein source. 'Low-carb' diets trace back to the protein-induced effects. Evidence that protein intake drives energy intake as suggested by the 'Protein leverage hypothesis' is scarce and equivocal. Finally, limited protein-induced food reward may affect compliance to a protein diet.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An implication of the findings for clinical practice is that a protein intake of 0.8-1.2 g/kg/day is sufficient to sustain satiety, energy expenditure, and fat-free mass, independent of a dietary 'low-carb' content. Limited protein-induced food reward may affect compliance to a protein diet.
authors: Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors: Eveline A P
authors: EA
authors: Martens
authors: Margriet S
authors: MS
authors: Westerterp-Plantenga
mesh_terms: D001066:Appetite / Q000502:physiology; D001823:Body Composition; D001835:Body Weight; D004032:Diet; D018753:Diet, Protein-Restricted / Q000009:adverse effects; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007930:Leucine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012527:Satiation; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins; D007930:Leucine