The Claim

In obese adults with type 2 diabetes, a protein-sparing modified fast providing 1.3 g protein per kilogram of ideal body weight maintains nitrogen balance during severe caloric restriction, indicating preservation of lean body mass.

Source: Nitrogen Metabolism and Insulin Requirements in Obese Diabetic Adults on a Protein-Sparing Modified Fast

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
20score
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.

How it works
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In obese adults with type 2 diabetes, a diet that severely limits calories but provides 1.3 grams of protein per kilogram of ideal body weight maintains nitrogen balance and preserves lean body mass.

See the scientific wording

In obese adults with type 2 diabetes, a protein-sparing modified fast (1.3 g protein/kg ideal body weight) can maintain nitrogen balance despite severe caloric restriction, indicating preservation of lean body mass.

Why this might work

When protein intake is high enough, it keeps muscles from breaking down even when calories are very low. The protein provides amino acids that turn on a signal to build new muscle, while the body switches to burning fat for energy, which reduces the need to break down muscle for fuel.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Nitrogen Metabolism and Insulin Requirements in Obese Diabetic Adults on a Protein-Sparing Modified Fast

    When obese adults with type 2 diabetes ate very few calories but got enough protein (1.3 grams per kilogram of their ideal weight), their bodies didn’t break down muscle — their nitrogen levels stayed balanced, which means they kept their muscle mass.

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.