Circulation. 2001;104:1869-1874
doi: 10.1161/hc4001.096152
doi: 10.1161/hc4001.096152
(Circulation. 2001;104:1869.)
© 2001 American Heart Association, Inc.
AHA Science Advisory |
Dietary Protein and Weight Reduction
A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the Nutrition Committee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism of the American Heart Association
Abstract
Abstract— High-protein diets have recently been proposed as a "new" strategy for successful weight loss. However, variations of these diets have been popular since the 1960s. High-protein diets typically offer wide latitude in protein food choices, are restrictive in other food choices (mainly carbohydrates), and provide structured eating plans. They also often promote misconceptions about carbohydrates, insulin resistance, ketosis, and fat burning as mechanisms of action for weight loss. Although these diets may not be harmful for most healthy people for a short period of time, there are no long-term scientific studies to support their overall efficacy and safety. These diets are generally associated with higher intakes of total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol because the protein is provided mainly by animal sources. In high-protein diets, weight loss is initially high due to fluid loss related to reduced carbohydrate intake, overall caloric restriction, and ketosis-induced appetite suppression. Beneficial effects on blood lipids and insulin resistance are due to the weight loss, not to the change in caloric composition. Promoters of high-protein diets promise successful results by encouraging high-protein food choices that are usually restricted in other diets, thus providing initial palatability, an attractive alternative to other weight-reduction diets that have not worked for a variety of reasons for most individuals. High-protein diets are not recommended because they restrict healthful foods that provide essential nutrients and do not provide the variety of foods needed to adequately meet nutritional needs. Individuals who follow these diets are therefore at risk for compromised vitamin and mineral intake, as well as potential cardiac, renal, bone, and liver abnormalities overall.
Key Words: AHA Science Advisory • diet • nutrition • protein • obesity
This article has been cited by other articles:
 |
|
 |
|
  T. Al-Sarraj, H. Saadi, M. C. Calle, J. S. Volek, and M. L. Fernandez Carbohydrate Restriction, as a First-Line Dietary Intervention, Effectively Reduces Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome in Emirati Adults J. Nutr., September 1, 2009; 139(9): 1667 - 1676. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 D. J. A. Jenkins, J. M. W. Wong, C. W. C. Kendall, A. Esfahani, V. W. Y. Ng, T. C. K. Leong, D. A. Faulkner, E. Vidgen, K. A. Greaves, G. Paul, et al. The Effect of a Plant-Based Low-Carbohydrate ("Eco-Atkins") Diet on Body Weight and Blood Lipid Concentrations in Hyperlipidemic Subjects Arch Intern Med, June 8, 2009; 169(11): 1046 - 1054. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. K. Layman, E. M. Evans, D. Erickson, J. Seyler, J. Weber, D. Bagshaw, A. Griel, T. Psota, and P. Kris-Etherton A Moderate-Protein Diet Produces Sustained Weight Loss and Long-Term Changes in Body Composition and Blood Lipids in Obese Adults J. Nutr., March 1, 2009; 139(3): 514 - 521. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 R. R. Wolfe and S. L. Miller The Recommended Dietary Allowance of Protein: A Misunderstood Concept JAMA, June 25, 2008; 299(24): 2891 - 2893. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 K. E. Foster-Schubert, J. Overduin, C. E. Prudom, J. Liu, H. S. Callahan, B. D. Gaylinn, M. O. Thorner, and D. E. Cummings Acyl and Total Ghrelin Are Suppressed Strongly by Ingested Proteins, Weakly by Lipids, and Biphasically by Carbohydrates J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., May 1, 2008; 93(5): 1971 - 1979. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 C. Berti, P. Riso, and M. Porrini Satiating Properties of Meat-Preparations: Role of Protein Content and Energy Density J. Am. Coll. Nutr., April 1, 2008; 27(2): 244 - 252. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 C. Mobley Fad Diets: Facts for Dental Professionals J Am Dent Assoc, January 1, 2008; 139(1): 48 - 50. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 C. E. O'Neil and T. A. Nicklas State of the Art Reviews: Relationship Between Diet/ Physical Activity and Health American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, December 1, 2007; 1(6): 457 - 481. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 B. A. Spear, S. E. Barlow, C. Ervin, D. S. Ludwig, B. E. Saelens, K. E. Schetzina, and E. M. Taveras Recommendations for Treatment of Child and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity Pediatrics, December 1, 2007; 120(Supplement_4): S254 - S288. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 M.-K. Wu, C.-K. Wang, Y.-M. Bai, C.-Y. Huang, and S.-D. Lee Outcomes of Obese, Clozapine-Treated Inpatients With Schizophrenia Placed on a Six-Month Diet and Physical Activity Program Psychiatr Serv, April 1, 2007; 58(4): 544 - 550. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 T. L. Halton, W. C. Willett, S. Liu, J. E. Manson, C. M. Albert, K. Rexrode, and F. B. Hu Low-Carbohydrate-Diet Score and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Women N. Engl. J. Med., November 9, 2006; 355(19): 1991 - 2002. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 I. G.E. Zarraga and E. R. Schwarz Impact of Dietary Patterns and Interventions on Cardiovascular Health Circulation, August 29, 2006; 114(9): 961 - 973. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 I. Strychar Diet in the management of weight loss Can. Med. Assoc. J., January 3, 2006; 174(1): 56 - 63. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 P. Parikh, M. C. McDaniel, M. D. Ashen, J. I. Miller, M. Sorrentino, V. Chan, R. S. Blumenthal, and L. S. Sperling Diets and Cardiovascular Disease: An Evidence-Based Assessment J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., May 3, 2005; 45(9): 1379 - 1387. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 C. B Ebbeling, M. M Leidig, K. B Sinclair, L. G Seger-Shippee, H. A Feldman, and D. S Ludwig Effects of an ad libitum low-glycemic load diet on cardiovascular disease risk factors in obese young adults Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, May 1, 2005; 81(5): 976 - 982. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 I. Thiele, N. D. Price, T. D. Vo, and B. O. Palsson Candidate Metabolic Network States in Human Mitochondria: IMPACT OF DIABETES, ISCHEMIA, AND DIET J. Biol. Chem., March 25, 2005; 280(12): 11683 - 11695. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. W. Speiser, M. C. J. Rudolf, H. Anhalt, C. Camacho-Hubner, F. Chiarelli, A. Eliakim, M. Freemark, A. Gruters, E. Hershkovitz, L. Iughetti, et al. Childhood Obesity J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., March 1, 2005; 90(3): 1871 - 1887. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. L. Dansinger, J. A. Gleason, J. L. Griffith, H. P. Selker, and E. J. Schaefer Comparison of the Atkins, Ornish, Weight Watchers, and Zone Diets for Weight Loss and Heart Disease Risk Reduction: A Randomized Trial JAMA, January 5, 2005; 293(1): 43 - 53. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 D. Thomas-Dobersen and L. Casey Case Study: Man With Type 2 Diabetes and Stage 1 Kidney Disease on Atkins-Like Diet Clin. Diabetes, January 1, 2005; 23(1): 46 - 48. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 M. Lacroix, C. Gaudichon, A. Martin, C. Morens, V. Mathe, D. Tome, and J.-F. Huneau A long-term high-protein diet markedly reduces adipose tissue without major side effects in Wistar male rats Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, October 1, 2004; 287(4): R934 - R942. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. A. Ince, E. J. Anderson, and R. M. Neer Lowering Dietary Protein to U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance Levels Reduces Urinary Calcium Excretion and Bone Resorption in Young Women J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., August 1, 2004; 89(8): 3801 - 3807. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 W. S. Yancy Jr., M. K. Olsen, J. R. Guyton, R. P. Bakst, and E. C. Westman A Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet versus a Low-Fat Diet To Treat Obesity and Hyperlipidemia: A Randomized, Controlled Trial Ann Intern Med, May 18, 2004; 140(10): 769 - 777. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. J. Sharman, A. L. Gomez, W. J. Kraemer, and J. S. Volek Very Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diets Affect Fasting Lipids and Postprandial Lipemia Differently in Overweight Men J. Nutr., April 1, 2004; 134(4): 880 - 885. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
G. H. Anderson and S. E. Moore Dietary Proteins in the Regulation of Food Intake and Body Weight in Humans J. Nutr., April 1, 2004; 134(4): 974S - 979S. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. T. Kappagoda, D. A. Hyson, and E. A. Amsterdam Low-carbohydrate-high-protein diets: Is there a place for them in clinical cardiology? J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., March 3, 2004; 43(5): 725 - 730. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. L. Weinberg The diet-heart hypothesis: a critique J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., March 3, 2004; 43(5): 731 - 733. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. Farnsworth, N. D Luscombe, M. Noakes, G. Wittert, E. Argyiou, and P. M Clifton Effect of a high-protein, energy-restricted diet on body composition, glycemic control, and lipid concentrations in overweight and obese hyperinsulinemic men and women Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, July 1, 2003; 78(1): 31 - 39. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
F. F. Samaha, N. Iqbal, P. Seshadri, K. L. Chicano, D. A. Daily, J. McGrory, T. Williams, M. Williams, E. J. Gracely, and L. Stern A Low-Carbohydrate as Compared with a Low-Fat Diet in Severe Obesity N. Engl. J. Med., May 22, 2003; 348(21): 2074 - 2081. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. M. Bravata, L. Sanders, J. Huang, H. M. Krumholz, I. Olkin, C. D. Gardner, and D. M. Bravata Efficacy and Safety of Low-Carbohydrate Diets: A Systematic Review JAMA, April 9, 2003; 289(14): 1837 - 1850. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 S. B Racette, S. S Deusinger, and R. H Deusinger Obesity: Overview of Prevalence, Etiology, and Treatment Physical Therapy, March 1, 2003; 83(3): 276 - 288. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. K. Layman, R. A. Boileau, D. J. Erickson, J. E. Painter, H. Shiue, C. Sather, and D. D. Christou A Reduced Ratio of Dietary Carbohydrate to Protein Improves Body Composition and Blood Lipid Profiles during Weight Loss in Adult Women J. Nutr., February 1, 2003; 133(2): 411 - 417. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
W. S. Yancy Jr, E. C. Westman, P. A. French, and R. M. Califf Diets and Clinical Coronary Events: The Truth Is Out There Circulation, January 7, 2003; 107(1): 10 - 16. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. McDougall, B. Howard, and on behalf of the AHA Science Advisory Committee Misinformation on Plant Proteins * Response Circulation, November 12, 2002; 106 (20): e148 - e148. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. McDougall and B. V. Howard Plant Foods Have a Complete Amino Acid Composition * Response Circulation, June 25, 2002; 105 (25): e197 - e197. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. W. Chambers and B. V. Howard Dietary Protein and Weight Reduction * Response Circulation, April 30, 2002; 105 (17): e128 - e128. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
I. B. Hirsch Unproven Therapies Clin. Diabetes, January 1, 2002; 20(1): 1 - 3. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 D. J. Hess The Raw and the Organic: Politics of Therapeutic Cancer Diets in the United States The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, January 1, 2002; 583(1): 76 - 96. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|