This article is a summary of the following article:The Effects of Consuming Frequent, Higher Protein Meals on Appetite and Satiety During Weight Loss in Overweight/Obese Men
This study aimed to understand how dietary protein and eating frequency affect feelings of hunger and satisfaction during weight loss. A total of 27 overweight/obese men participated in the study. They were divided into two groups: one consumed a higher protein diet (25% of energy from protein), while the other had a normal protein diet (14% of energy from protein) for 12 weeks. In the seventh week, they followed either a three-meal-per-day pattern or a six-meal-per-day pattern for three consecutive days.
The results showed that both groups had similar levels of daily hunger and desire to eat. However, the higher protein group reported feeling fuller throughout the day compared to the normal protein group. Additionally, the higher protein group experienced lower late-night desire to eat and preoccupation with thoughts of food compared to the normal protein group.
Regarding eating frequency, whether participants ate three or six meals per day did not significantly influence hunger, fullness, desire to eat, or preoccupation with thoughts of food.
In summary, the findings suggest that consuming a higher protein diet can help improve appetite control and satiety during weight loss in overweight/obese men. However, the number of meals per day (three or six) did not have a notable impact on these factors.