Protein restriction can be effective in fighting obesity and diabetes

Researchers in Brazil and Denmark conducted a study comparing the effects of protein and calorie-restricted diets on
humans.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of disorders that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess fat in the lower back, and abnormal
cholesterol levels.

"Studies have shown that reducing protein intake to 0.

The research was funded by FAPESP through a doctoral scholarship awarded to Ferraz-Bannitz when he was enrolled in the Ribeir?o Preto School of Medicine (FMRP-USP) at S.

The study was carried out by a multidisciplinary team of scientists, including researchers affiliated with the University of Copenhagen, Söpo University in Denmark and the National Cancer Institute of Brazil (INCA), as well as the Centre for Obesity and Comorbidities Research (OCRC), a Centre for Research, Innovation and Communication (RIDC)
funded by FAPESP and hosted by UNICAMP.

Control your diet

For the study, the researchers analyzed 21 volunteers with metabolic syndrome for 27 days, during which their diets were monitored
.

The daily calorie intake per volunteer was calculated as a function
of baseline metabolism (energy expenditure at rest).

The protein intake of the second group was reduced to 10%.

The results showed that both the calorie and protein restriction groups lost weight due to body fat loss, and the symptoms of metabolic syndrome also improved
.

"After 27 days of monitoring, the results were similar
in both groups in terms of blood glucose reduction, weight loss, blood pressure control, and lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

This finding confirms the results
of previous experiments conducted in mice.

Controlling the macronutrients in your diet — proteins, carbohydrates, and fats — is enough to achieve the beneficial effects
of dietary restrictions.

The study did not investigate the molecular mechanisms that could explain the beneficial effects of protein-restricted diets, but the researchers believe that low protein intake triggers changes in metabolism or enhances the body's energy management
by directing the body to burn fat to produce energy for cells.

While their findings are promising, the researchers note that the diets involved are personalized
.

Still, it's easy to extrapolate the results
.