both men and women burned off more fat when they ate a high protein breakfast

A new study done in Australia shows how high protein meals could help obese individuals burn off more calories. The study which was done at the University of Wollongong in New South Wales and led by Doctor Marijka Batterham also noted that those people who were fatter tended to burn off fat more efficiently after a high protein meal than individuals who had lower levels of fat on their bodies.

In general overweight people tend to burn off fat less efficiently after normal meals then slimmer individuals however when a high protein meal is brought into the equation then things seem to be different. The study specifically focused on whether the addition of lots of protein to a meal could have an effect on the calorie burning effects of overweight people.

The researchers said that their study made it clear that both men and women burned off more fat when they ate a high protein breakfast or lunch then when they consumed low protein meals. They said that the extra protein worked to remedy the “fat burning deficit” which is apparent in obese people.

Other studies have previously observed that one of the most significant benefits of eating a high protein diet is to do with the fact that protein is effective at suppressing appetite more so than carbohydrates and fat. Interestingly the researchers merely focused on fat burning capacity and did not actually check whether the volunteers lost weight over the course of the study; however it is obvious that if protein is able to increase fat burning capacity in the long term weight will be lost.

Eighteen adults of different weights ranging from normal up to obese participated in the study and their metabolic rates were measured on three separate occasions after eating. The results of the study were published in the respected medical journal Nutrition & Dietetics.

Individuals hoping to lose weight would do well to increase their protein content in their diets. The mistake that many people make is that they go for high fat protein which counteracts the positive weight loss effects. You should eat chicken, fish and low fat dairy foods as well as lots of vegetables to lose weight and boost your protein content.