The Claim

In obese adults, a protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet program is associated with significant improvements in triglycerides, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT), and uric acid compared to a standard calorie-restricted diet, with no significant differences observed in total cholesterol or blood pressure.

Source: Effectiveness of a protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet program for weight loss: a randomized controlled trial in South Korea

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
38score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Obese adults following a very-low-calorie diet with extra protein show lower levels of triglycerides, liver enzymes, and uric acid than those on a standard calorie-restricted diet, but their total cholesterol and blood pressure change similarly in both groups.

See the scientific wording

In obese adults, a protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet program is associated with significant improvements in multiple cardiometabolic markers—including triglycerides, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT), and uric acid—compared to a standard calorie-restricted diet, despite no significant between-group differences in total cholesterol or blood pressure.

Why this might work

Eating more protein while cutting calories makes the body burn more fat from around the organs and liver, which lowers bad fats in the blood, fixes liver damage, and reduces uric acid. The protein keeps muscle from breaking down and helps the body use less energy to feel full, so more fat gets burned.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Effectiveness of a protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet program for weight loss: a randomized controlled trial in South Korea

    People who drank protein shakes and ate very few calories lost more belly fat than those who just ate less food, which usually means better liver and blood fat health — even if their cholesterol and blood pressure didn’t change much.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.