A recent study shows that high-protein diets may aid weight management by reducing levels of a gut bacterium linked to gut fat absorption. In a recent study, researchers looked at what causes weight regain after dieting weight loss. The results show that high-protein diets promote weight management by reducing levels of a particular gut bacterium linked to gut fat absorption. The researchers noted that reducing levels of specific gut bacteria via a high-protein diet or antibiotics could promote sustained weight loss after dietary restriction.
Obesity has multiple health effects, including increased cardiovascular risk and risk of mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Weight loss is the primary goal of obesity treatments. However, recent literature reviews indicate that after initial weight loss, weight regain is typical.
Additionally, a 2001 meta-analysis on weight loss diets found that over 50% of weight loss is regained within two years and over 80% of weight loss is regained within five years. Understanding how to prevent weight regain after dietary restriction could pave the way for better obesity treatment plans. Recently, researchers studied the effects of diets with varying protein levels on fat levels in mice after food restriction.
This study suggests that after a short period of food restriction, such as intermittent fasting or very low calorie diet attempts, a high-protein diet may prevent weight regain by increasing gut bacteria Lactobacillus, which limit intestinal absorption lipids. The study was recently published in Nature Metabolism.
How diets lead to weight regain
Previous research suggests that certain diets may promote weight regain by altering the composition of gut bacteria. For the current study, the researchers investigated how food restriction followed by no-limit eating affected fat mass. They found that refeeding after food restriction led to rapid fat accumulation. Further experiments showed them that the increase in fat levels was due to increased fat absorption in the intestines, as opposed to increased food intake. Next, the researchers analyzed mouse blood samples before, during, and after short-term dietary restriction to identify potential ways to maintain weight loss.
They found that certain amino acids in the blood increased during and after dietary restriction.
Effects of protein intake on weight management
To understand how protein levels may influence fat absorption after dieting, the researchers fed mice a high-protein diet, a normal diet, or a low-protein diet after short-term dietary restriction. They found that high-protein diets were the most effective in preventing rapid weight regain and also partially maintained weight loss afterwards. To understand how a high-protein diet reduces weight regain, the researchers analyzed its effects on energy expenditure. Mice fed a normal protein diet had higher energy expenditure than those fed a high protein diet, indicating that the benefits of a high protein diet come from elsewhere. Other tests revealed that high protein diets decreased the intestinal absorption of fats.
The researchers then analyzed fecal samples from mice fed high amounts of protein and normal amounts of protein after dietary restriction. They found that mice fed a normal diet had higher levels of Lactobacillus bacteria than mice fed a high-protein diet. To see if Lactobacillus levels influenced weight regain, the researchers treated the mice with penicillin for a week before placing them on a restrictive diet. They found that penicillin reduced the number of Lactobacillus without affecting other bacteria and that it significantly reduced intestinal fat absorption afterwards. The researchers concluded that targeting Lactobacillus after dietary restriction with a high protein diet or antibiotics could prevent post-diet obesity.
Tips for healthy weight management
In order not to lose weight after a diet, try to consume sufficient levels of protein. Although this is not necessarily higher protein, it is a sufficient amount depending on the person’s body composition. Adequate protein intake helps maintain lean body mass during the active phase of weight loss. Preserving lean body mass promotes overall health and quality of life, especially as we age.
Five points allow you to maintain your weight in the long term:
– eat less processed foods
– eat more fruits and vegetables
– walk at least 8,000 steps per day
– know your caloric needs and follow them using a food application
– cooking at home rather than eating out.
