The Claim
In adults with overweight or obesity undergoing caloric restriction, a higher self-selected protein intake of 79 g/day is associated with improved diet quality as measured by the Healthy Eating Index, due to increased consumption of green vegetables and reduced intake of refined grains and added sugars.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Among adults with overweight or obesity who reduce their calorie intake, those who choose to eat 79 grams of protein per day tend to have better diet quality, measured by higher intake of green vegetables and lower intake of refined grains and added sugars.
See the scientific wording
During caloric restriction in adults with overweight or obesity, higher self-selected protein intake (79 g/day) is associated with improved diet quality as measured by the Healthy Eating Index, driven by increased consumption of green vegetables and reduced intake of refined grains and added sugars.
When protein intake increases, it triggers signals in the gut and brain that reduce hunger and cravings for sugary and starchy foods. This leads to eating more vegetables and fewer refined grains and added sugars, which improves overall diet quality.
What the research says
1 studyPeople who chose to eat more protein while dieting also ended up eating more spinach and broccoli and less white bread and sugar, making their overall diet healthier — and the study proved this link.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.