What is Effect Of Protein Intake On Weight Control?

Obesity is increasingly becoming a worldwide health concern. Weight gain can be caused by several factors such as diet, lifestyle, genetics, health conditions, and so on. Nonetheless, diet plays one of the most important roles in weight management. Various studies have shown that high-protein diets are effective for body weight loss. Protein is one of the major building blocks of body tissue and an essential nutrient for growth. Examples of proteins include enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, which are required for the body’s structure and proper function. Many literatures have consistently reported the effect of dietary proteins in reducing body fat stores. Generally, protein also induces a greater satiety effect (feeling of fullness) as compared to carbohydrates and fats, thus controlling overall appetite and food intake. However, the effects of dietary protein on weight management may vary across individuals due to genetics or environmental factors including lifestyle, age, race, and socioeconomic background.

How It Affects Your Body

In relation to obesity, one of the key genes that has been extensively studied is the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene.

Studies have also suggested that dietary intake of proteins is linked to the activity of the gene. When the FTO gene is activated, it helps to regulate food intake and energy balance, thus improving body composition and fat distribution. Studies have shown that an individual who carries the FTO gene variant is likely to have beneficial effects of weight loss under high-protein diet, as compared to non-carriers.