This paper encompassed the assessment of the impact of increased protein intake on weight loss, among Mexican adults with metabolic syndrome (MeS). No prominent variations were determined in weight loss and biomarkers of MeS, when the overall group was analyzed. Nevertheless, the candidates presenting with more adherence rate in the higher protein diet (HPD) group lost markedly more weight than adherent members in the standard protein diet (SPD) group.
Methods
- The design of this research was a randomized controlled trial.
- It consisted of 118 adults aged 47.4 ± 11.5 years, who met the established criteria for MeS.
- The members were randomized to the prescribed hypocaloric diets (500 kcal less than resting metabolic rate) providing either 0.8 g/kg body weight (standard protein diet (SPD)) or 1.34 g/kg body weight (higher protein diet (HPD)) for 6 months.
- Body weight, waist circumference, percent body fat by bioimpedance analysis, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase were estimated at baseline, 3 months and at 6 months.
Results
- There were 105 individuals (51 for SPD and 54 for HPD) who completed the trial.
- Overall weight loss was 5.1 ± 3.6 kg in the SPD group compared to 7.0 ± 3.7 kg in the in HPD group.
- Both groups lost a marked percent of centimeters of waist circumference (SPD -6.5 ± 2.6 cm and HPD -8.8 ± 2.6 cm).
- No statistical variation was noted, with the exception of the differing weight losses, the two groups did not exhibit any additional changes overall.
- In the subgroup judged to be adherent, more than 75% of the time with the prescribed diets, there was a marked difference in mean weight loss (SPD -5.8% vs. HPD -9.5%) after adjusting for baseline BMI.
- Both groups illustrated prominent decreases in waist circumference, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and VLDL cholesterol.
- Nevertheless, there were no differences between the groups.
- The blood tests did not reveal any changes for liver or renal function.