High protein diet promotes body weight loss among Brazilian postpartum women

Abstract

There is evidence in the general population that adhering to a high protein and low carbohydrate diet may help in losing weight. However, there is little evidence among postpartum women. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a high protein diet on weight loss among postpartum women. A parallel-randomized controlled trial with 94 postpartum women was conducted in a maternity ward in Mesquita county (recruitment from February 2009 to December 2010) and in a polyclinic in Rio de Janeiro city (recruitment from December 2010 to December 2011). Women were randomized to the intervention group (IG) or control group (CG), and both groups received an isocaloric diet (1,800 kcal). Additionally, the IG received approximately 25 g of protein obtained from 125 g per week of sardine to increase daily dietary protein content and was advised to restrict carbohydrate intake. The CG received nutritional counselling to follow the national nutrition guidelines (15% protein, 60% carbohydrates, and 25% lipids). A linear mixed-effects model was used to test the effect of high protein intake and macronutrient intake on weight loss during the postpartum period. Body weight decreased in the IG compared with the CG (ß = −0.325; p = 0.049) among overweight and obese postpartum women. The percentage of energy intake from lipid (ß = −0.023; p = 0.050) was negatively associated with body weight, and carbohydrate intake (ß = 0.020; p = 0.026) was positively associated with body weight over time among all women. Protein intake and lower carbohydrate intake may be used as a dietary strategy to improve body weight loss during the postpartum period.

BCAA insufficiency leads to premature ovarian insufficiency via ceramide‐induced elevation of ROS

“…These results suggested that amino acid metabolism might have significant impacts on POI. Several studies indicated that low‐carbohydrate and high‐protein diets can lead to improvements in metabolism in humans (Foster et al , 2003 ; Huhmann et al , 2018 ; de Castro et al , 2019 ). In the context of the reproduction study, the positive correlation between dietary protein intake and outcomes of infertility treatment in women was also identified (Nassan et al , 2018 ).…”

Quality of low‐carbohydrate diets among Australian post‐partum women: Cross‐sectional analysis of a national population‐based cohort study

“…Consistent with the popular belief that LCDs are an effective strategy for weight loss (Churuangsuk et al, 2020 ; Crowe & Cameron‐Smith, 2005 ; International Food Information Council, 2019 ), the proportion of women in our study who were attempting to lose weight was higher in the top versus bottom quartile of the LCD score (most vs. least carbohydrate restriction). There is however limited evidence on the benefits of an LCD for post‐partum weight loss (Alderete et al, 2020 ; Chen et al, 2021 ; Castro et al, 2019 ; Vincze et al, 2019 ). While the best approach to weight loss for post‐partum women is unknown and further research is needed (Dodd et al, 2018 ; Vincze et al, 2019 ), women should be educated on the potential negative effects of restricting core food groups considered to be high in carbohydrates (such as whole grains and fruit) while increasing intake of high‐protein and fat animal foods (such as red meat and processed meat).…”

PET/CT Imaging and Physiology of Mice on High Protein Diet

“…Previous papers indicated that a HP diet can contribute to loss in body weight and changes of body composition in humans [ 10 , 11 ] and experimental animals [ 12 , 13 ]. In line with those studies, the current results demonstrate that a HP diet significantly slows down the increase in body weight compared to the chow and LP diet.…”