Eating less protein makes people eat more calories — but not because they feel hungrier. Something else is going on.
Scientific Claim
In adults on a long-term high-protein ad-libitum feeding protocol, the relationship between protein intake and total caloric consumption is not mediated by changes in subjective appetite, suggesting a direct or indirect metabolic or behavioral pathway.
Original Statement
“On the SSM day, percent protein intake was inversely associated mean daily caloric intake (r2 = 0.22, P = 0.03). [...] with no changes in subjective appetite scores.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The claim implies a pathway ('mediated by') which requires mechanistic evidence not provided. The study only shows association and lack of appetite change, not causation or mechanism.
More Accurate Statement
“In adults on a long-term high-protein ad-libitum feeding protocol, the relationship between protein intake and total caloric consumption is not accompanied by changes in subjective appetite, suggesting non-appetitive factors may underlie this association.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Even when people felt just as hungry or full as usual, they ate more calories after having a meal with less protein—meaning their bodies were responding to protein levels in a way that didn’t involve feeling hungrier or fuller.