Latest study results published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggest that high-protein total diet replacements are a promising nutritional strategy to combat the rising rate of obesity.
- More calories were expended over 24 hours.
- More calories expended during sleep and after the consumption of meals.
- Increased fat oxidation (fat loss).
- Negative fat balance: more fat was lost by participants than consumed.
High-protein total diet replacements (HP-TDR) have become increasingly popular strategies to combat obesity. They are calorie-controlled, nourishing and contain high levels of protein to promote a feeling of fullness. Research also suggests that they can increase energy expenditure and have the ability to reduce fat stores while preserving muscle mass, offering a promising strategy for healthy weight loss and weight maintenance.
The latest study- "A High-Protein Total Diet Replacement Increases Energy Expenditure and Leads to Negative Fat Balance in Healthy, Normal-Weight Adults", published in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition compared the impact of a high-protein total diet replacement (Almased) to that of a typical North American diet (control group) by measuring energy metabolism, metabolic blood markers and appetite sensations.
The study was carried out by researchers from the University of Alberta, Canada. Consisting of forty-three healthy, normal-weight adults (19 females and 24 males) aged between 18 and 35, subjects were randomly assigned to one of the two groups- a high-protein total diet replacement group (HP-TDR) and a control group. One group consumed Almased (HP-TDR) which consisted of 35% carbohydrate, 40% protein and 25% fat. The control group consumed a calorie-equivalent diet consisting of 55% carbohydrate, 15% protein and 30% fat, typical to that of a North American diet. Participants received the prescribed diets for a 32-hour period while inside a metabolic chamber (whole-body calorimetry unit).
