EFN

In a recent article that appeared in the journal Nutrition and Dietetics (Volume 65 Issue 4), researchers set out to determine how an individual’s fat burning process reacts to a high protein meal. 18 test subjects, both overweight and normal weight were provided with different meals; the control group received a 14 percent protein meal (glycemic index 65) and the rest were given a high protein meal of 33 percent protein (glycemic index 74). The results showed that the more overweight an individual was the less fat they burned after a low protein diet, however, obese individuals on the high protein diet burnt fat as effectively as their normal weight counterparts. The results showed that there was increase in fat oxidation after an obese person consumed a high protein diet.

This study may provide the evidence needed to finally solidify what most obese people know; they do not oxidize fat efficiently. The results are promising but should be taken in context. The study group was small and the length of the study short. For the results to be more reliable a longer study with more subjects is needed. The best advice to take away from the study according to Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RD an expert in nutrition, is to replace some of the carbs or fat in your diet with proteins. This according to Dixon “may improve your odds of fat-loss success.” She also adds that having a protein-rich breakfast may help individuals stick to healthy diet. Dixon recommends incorporating proteins into snacks (nuts, canned tuna or chicken on crackers) and eating lean proteins such as chicken, fish and beans instead of red meat which has a high content of saturated fats. As with any other diet it is important to limit portions and watch the caloric intake.

This fat oxidation study results comes at a time of the year when most people are making New Year resolutions for 2009 to loose weight. There are many different available diets and the fat oxidation and protein study shows that different people metabolize foods differently depending on their weight. It is therefore important to find a diet specific to an individual’s situation. Experts recommend setting goals that will not be overwhelming but instead are attainable. It is also important to remember that exercise is an important part of achieving weight loss goals and by choosing an exercise that is fun makes it easier to stick to weight loss goals.