The high rate of obesity has develop into a growing problem in the trendy world. Obesity is related to the incidence of several comorbidities, resembling cardiovascular diseases and sort 2 diabetes. Despite weight reduction being considered crucial treatment for obesity, long-term weight maintenance can be vital.

Study: High Compared with Moderate Protein Intake Reduces Adaptive Thermogenesis and Induces a Negative Energy Balance during Long-term Weight-Loss Maintenance in Participants with Prediabetes within the Postobese State:A PREVIEW Study. Image Credit: margouillat photo / Shutterstock

Background

Metabolic adaptation, i.e., adaptive thermogenesis (AT), might be the important thing factor stopping long-term weight-loss maintenance. AT causes a decrease in energy expenditure, which is significantly greater than the predictions based on reductions in fat mass (FM) or fat-free mass (FFM).

Energy expenditure adaptations have been found to last multiple years after a weight reduction period. Due to this fact, after weight reduction, a discount in AT is incredibly vital for long-term weight reduction maintenance. Some aspects have been identified to scale back AT, resembling physical activity, cold-induced brown adipose tissue activation, tea catechins, and capsaicinoids. Moreover, high protein (HP) intake was also linked with AT reduction after weight reduction.

Interestingly, an HP weight-reduction plan results in enhanced FFM, resting energy expenditure (REE), diet-induced energy expenditure (DEE), and total energy expenditure (TEE). The mixture of enhanced physical activity and an HP weight-reduction plan is in a position to preserve REE despite a discount in FM and FFM. In comparison with a low protein weight-reduction plan in individuals with stable weight, an HP weight-reduction plan for twelve weeks was seen to keep up the sleeping metabolic rate (SMR), TEE, and DEE. Nevertheless, it’s imperative to know if the HP weight-reduction plan post-weight loss counteracts AT.

In regards to the Study

A recent Journal of Nutrition study evaluated whether the HP weight-reduction plan could reduce AT and the expected positive energy balance (EB) during weight maintenance after weight reduction in prediabetic patients of their post-obese phase. This research is a component of the prevention of diabetes through lifestyle intervention and population studies in Europe and across the World (PREVIEW) study.

The PREVIEW study is related to three years of weight reduction and weight maintenance intervention in 4 intervention groups. These groups differ within the dietary component, i.e., HP (low-glycemic index) and moderate-protein (MP) weight-reduction plan (modest glycemic index), and physical activity. This study aimed to know the manifestation of type 2 diabetes after three years of interventions. As well as, the changes in body weight, insulin resistance, and body composition were analyzed.

The present study compared the results of a controlled HP weight-reduction plan with an MP weight-reduction plan on EB and AT. This assessment was conducted after the completion of the PREVIEW study using a totally controlled respiratory chamber. A controlled HP weight-reduction plan was hypothesized to stabilize AT and elevate energy expenditure. 

A complete of 38 participants were recruited to research the impact of two diets (HP and MP), differing in protein/carbohydrate ratio, on energy expenditure and respiratory quotient (RQ). A complete of 20 individuals (male-7, female-13), averaging 64 years of age, consumed the HP weight-reduction plan, and 18 individuals (male-9, female-9), averaging 65 years of age, consumed an MP weight-reduction plan. Fat-free mass and fat mass were used to calculate the anticipated resting energy expenditure (REE).

Study Findings

The numerous levels of macronutrient composition within the HP and MP diets resulted in the numerous protein and carbohydrate balance between the 2 groups. Within the HP group, protein intake and oxidation were higher, which caused a more positive protein balance in comparison with the MP group. Nevertheless, in comparison with the MP group, the carbohydrate balance was less positive within the HP group as a consequence of lower carbohydrate intake and oxidation.

Interestingly, a lower fat balance was observed within the HP group with regards to the MP group. No significant difference in BMI, FFM, FM, energy intake, energy expenditure, or body-fat percentage was observed between the 2 groups. Based on energy expenditure, a 48-hour HP weight-reduction plan induced a negative EB and elevated REE, which were absent within the MP group.

Notably, the HP weight-reduction plan counteracted AT during weight maintenance after weight reduction; nonetheless, the MP weight-reduction plan enhanced fat oxidation. Within the HP group, a lower EB was found concerning MP, which was linked to reduced AT within the HP group. 

Consistent with previous studies, the present study revealed the presence of AT as much as 34 months after an 8-week weight reduction period. During this era, participants underwent a discount of around 11.9% of their body weight. EB was positively correlated with RQ.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that in comparison with the MP weight-reduction plan, the HP weight-reduction plan led to a negative EB, which counteracted AT for around 34 months after weight reduction in prediabetic individuals through the post-obese state. The study’s finding emphasizes the importance of adherence to an increased protein/carbohydrate ratio weight-reduction plan for a protracted period to keep up weight after weight reduction.