The Claim

In obese adults aged 19–70, a 12-month protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet program followed by intermittent very-low-calorie phases results in a mean reduction in waist circumference of 8.35 cm and visceral fat area of 28.28 cm², which is significantly greater than the reductions observed with a standard calorie-restricted diet.

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
76score
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.

Quantitative
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Obese adults aged 19–70 who follow a protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet for 12 months with intermittent very-low-calorie phases lose 8.35 cm more waist circumference and 28.28 cm² more visceral fat than those on a standard calorie-restricted diet.

See the scientific wording

In obese adults aged 19–70, a 12-month protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet program, followed by intermittent very-low-calorie phases, is associated with a mean reduction in waist circumference of 8.35 cm and visceral fat area of 28.28 cm², significantly greater than the reductions seen with a standard calorie-restricted diet, suggesting enhanced improvement in central adiposity and metabolic risk profiles.

Why this might work

Eating more protein makes you feel full longer, so you eat fewer calories. This causes your liver to lose fat quickly, which improves how well insulin works in your body. When insulin levels drop, your body stops breaking down fat stores in your belly as much, so the fat there shrinks faster than with regular dieting.

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 followed a high-protein, very-low-calorie diet lost more belly fat and had smaller waists than those on a regular low-calorie diet, and the study proved it with real measurements.

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.

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