Weight Loss in Men: The Effects of a High-Protein Ketogenic Diet

For obese men seeking weight loss, the hunger level and food intake were decreased significantly when undergoing a high-protein ketogenic diet

In a 2008 study, researchers at the Rowett Research Institute in the United Kingdom studied the effects on weight loss in obese men when fed (ad libitum) a high-protein ketogenic diet versus a high-protein, medium-carbohydrate nonketogenic diet.

The study was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, volume 87, page 44 in January 2008.

The objective was to study how those diets affect the hunger and appetite of these obese men trying to lose weight.

The study design consisted of 17 men. For 4 weeks, they were fed either

a high-protein, low carbohydate (4%) ketogenic diet or a high-protein, medium carbohydrate (35%) nonketogenic diet. Data on body weights and ketosis were measured. Their level of hunger was measured using a computerized questionaire.

Variables included assessment of appeitite, pleasantness of the meals, eating behavior and mood, body composition, and metabolic profile.

The results of the study showed that, during the short term, the hunger level and food intake were decreased significantly when undergoing a high-protein ketogenic diet.

Thus for weight loss in obese men eating an ad libitum diet, a high protein, low carb diet can curb hunger and food intake.

Study link: http://www.ajcn.org/content/87/1/44.full