Effects of a high‐protein intake on metabolic targets for weight loss in children with obesity: a randomized trial

Abstract

SummaryObjectiveThe objective of this research is to study effects of a 4‐week high‐protein (HP) diet on energy intake, resting energy expenditure (REE), protein turnover and body composition in children with obesity.MethodsIn this randomized placebo‐controlled single‐blind crossover study, children with obesity (n = 14; mean age: 10.1 years ± 1.2 standard deviation; body mass index–standard deviation score [BMI‐SDS]: 2.8 ± 0.5) received an ad libitum HP (+50 g protein per day) or normal‐protein (NP) diet for 4 weeks with a washout period of ≥2 weeks. Energy intake, REE, protein turnover, weight, BMI‐SDS and body composition were measured.ResultsNo differences were found in energy intake or REE between HP and NP. There was an increased urea production and phenylalanine hydroxylation after HP compared with NP (p < 0.05). There was an increased rise in fat‐free mass after HP compared with NP (∆HP: 0.8 ± 0.8 kg vs. ∆NP: 0.1 ± 0.6 kg, p < 0.05). BMI and BMI‐SDS increased during the study (BMI‐SDS start: 2.8 ± 0.5, end: 2.9 ± 0.5, p < 0.05) without a difference between groups.ConclusionsA 4‐week HP diet with ad libitum food intake did not affect energy intake and energy expenditure in children with obesity. BMI increased, although that could be partly explained by an increase in fat‐free mass.

Fat Consumption and Related Changes in Micronutrients Intake and Child Anthropometric Development

“…Of the analyzed data, calcium, selenium and vitamin B intake were most frequently related to the individual body weight. However, in Gröber et al (2015) review, magnesium could influence the cell energy production, the bone structural development along with glycolysis, having therefore a major role over preschoolers body weight Veldhorst et al, 2018). Following our study results, lower fat, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin B and daily energy intake were associated with negative growth and anthropometric development conditions.…”