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Protein and weight management
Altering the composition of the diet is one way of controlling appetite
and promoting weight loss. Now a new study has tested whether differ-
ent levels of protein can influence feelings of hunger and satiety.
Latest on obesity
UK scientists studied hunger, ap- inducing weight loss when combined
It is well accepted that the causes
petite and weight loss in 17 obese with a high protein intake. of obesity are part genetic and part
males. Males consumed either a: 1) A second study explored patterns environmental, although there is
high-protein (30 percent energy), of weight loss in 79 women consum- debate about how much blame to
low-carbohydrate diet (four percent ing a high protein diet (34 percent
attribute to each factor.
carbohydrate), or 2) high-protein (30 of energy) vs. a high carbohydrate
More than 127 obesity genes have
percent energy), medium-carbo- diet (64 percent of energy) for a 12
been identified which are now being
hydrate diet (35 percent carbohy- week period. Participants were also
studied in more detail. The new field
drate). Foods were randomly allocat- followed up 64 weeks later. Weight
of nutritional genomics is helping us to
ed to the participants in a cross-over loss was apparent in both groups but
understand how genes influence sus-
design. Both diets were consumed was not significantly different after
ceptibility to obesity and what can be
by all 17 males. Body measurements the 12 week period. However, pro-
done about it. There is still some way to
and plasma and urine samples were tein intake was strongly associated
go before we can access ‘gene diets’;
collected every day for four weeks. with reductions in body weight at
ones that are uniquely designed for our
Feelings of hunger were determined week 64. The researchers concluded
genetic make-up.
using a software system. that a high-protein diet helps to
While this sounds an exciting pos-
Results showed that calorie intake regulate body weight and promote
sibility for curing obesity in future, it is
and feelings of hunger were signifi- weight loss.
worth pointing out that human genes
cantly lower when the low-carbohy- For more information see: John-
have not changed over the last few
drate diet was consumed. Weight stone AM et al (2008). American
decades, while rates of obesity have
loss was also significantly greater. The Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 87:
soared. This means that the main driver
findings indicate that a low-carbo- pages 44-55 and Clifton PM et al
of obesity risk remains the ‘obesogenic’
hydrate diet (rather than a carbohy- (2008) American Journal of Clinical
environment, characterised by excess
drate-rich diet) is most effective at Nutrition. 87: pages 23-29.
consumption of energy-dense foods
and sedentary lifestyles. Changing our
habits is probably the most reliable way
Cinnamon and insulin sensitivity
to lower obesity rates.
Research on 29 sedentary males
Cinnamon (Cinnamomon cassia) is a rich source of chromium and poly-
after a six-week exercise intervention
phenols (powerful plant antioxidants). It is also an ancient herbal medi- (cycling for 30-45 minutes four times a
cine, having been mentioned in Chinese texts 4,000 years ago and used week) discovered that exercise im-
in both Ayurvedic and early Egyptian medicine. proves short-term appetite control and
US scientists evaluated the effect A health claim for cinnamon has
leads to ‘responsive eating’ (eating only
of cinnamon consumption over 40 been submitted to European Food
when hungry). It is thought that exercise
days in people with type 2 diabetes. Standards Agency suggesting that
stimulates the release of satiety-induc-
It was reported that consumption of 1g/day Cinnamon powder is benefi-
ing chemicals, called peptides, and is
106g of cinnamon per day reduced cial for blood glucose control. It will
vital for regulating appetite. Therefore,
fasting glucose levels and cholesterol be interesting to see whether or not
regular exercise could be key in helping
levels. While more research is this is approved given that research
to maintain normal body weight.
needed to confirm these results, it on cinnamon and health, although
For more information see: Marti A et
appears that cinnamon may help promising, is still in the early stage.
al (2008) Proceedings of the Nutrition
to improve the blood sugar and For more information see: Ander-
Society. 67: pages 1-8 and Martins C et
lipid profile of people with type 2 son (2008) Proceedings of the Nutri-
al (2008) Proceedings of the Nutrition
diabetes. tion Society. 67: pages 48-53.
Society. 67: pages 28-41 and Martins et
al (2007) British Journal of Nutrition. 98:
Nuts and antioxidant effects
pages 834-842.
Nuts are rich in antioxidants and have been found to reduce levels of oxidative stress (where body cells are
damaged by free radicals). Oxidative stress is higher amongst smokers and is strongly associated with risk of
developing heart disease and cancer.
A Japanese study looked at tive stress. Data were also collected tive stress and prevent the onset of
whether consumption of 84g of from 30 healthy non-smoking males, chronic diseases linked to smoking.
almonds per day (for four weeks, so that results could be compared. For more information see: Marti
followed by a four-week washout) In smokers, after the consumption A et al (2008) Proceedings of the
reduced levels of oxidative stress in of almonds, levels of antioxidants Nutrition Society. 67: pages 1-8 and
60 male soldiers (18-25 years) that were significantly higher and DNA Martins C et al (2008) Proceedings of
smoked five to 20 cigarettes each damage was greatly reduced. The the Nutrition Society. 67: pages 28-41
day. Blood and urine samples were results suggest that a regular intake of and Martins et al (2007) British Jour-
collected to measure levels of oxida- almonds may help to reduce oxida- nal of Nutrition. 98: pages 834-842.
NHDmag.com May ‘08 - issue 34 7
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