Protein Intake Curbs Obesity Risk: Study

Beat the bulge by adding more protein to your daily diet, state researchers.

Western cuisines have more carbohydrate and fat content that supply required levels of energy to the body, but does not provide necessary nutrients like fiber and proteins. This can result in nutritional imbalance and obesity. Experts at the University of Sydney found that intake of sufficient proteins like egg, meat and chicken cuts the risk of obesity by controlling appetite and overall kilocalories or energy intake from food.

Their study conducted on baboons suggests macronutrients like carbohydrate, fat and protein together have an effect on appetite. When these nutrients are thoroughly balanced in everyday diet, the chances of developing health problems due to very high or low amounts of protein and fat in the body is almost negligible. In order to achieve this, both animals and humans must increase the consumption of protein and cut down on carbohydrate and fatty substances.

It was observed in baboons that almost 20 percent of the energy needs come from proteins. However, the study noted a slight variation in their energy intake. But, it was seen that like spider-monkeys and orangutans, the baboons manage to achieve nutritional balance throughout the different seasons of the year by eating more or less of fat and carbohydrates, depending on the situation. These findings remind people to adopt healthy practices by eating protein and nutritive foods in healthy proportions to avert the risk of obesity.

"This shows that there is diversity even among closely related primates. We can use this information to help manage and prevent obesity, through ensuring that the diets we eat have a sufficient level of protein to satisfy our appetite," said David Raubenheimerb, study author and nutritional ecologist at the University of Sydney, in a news release.

"We also need to get the balance of fats and carbs right and high protein diets might help us to lose weight, but if they involve other imbalances then other health problems will be introduced," he added.

The authors believe the popularity of processed foods that are loaded with added sugar, fat and calories has contributed to the rise in incidences of obesity in the last 60 years. They added that our bodies are not accustomed to commercially sold products like biscuits, cakes, pizzas and sugary drinks that can invite an array of health problems.

The research was presented at the annual meet of the Society for Experimental Biology in Manchester.