Human eating behavior is controlled by a set daily amount of protein needed, and feelings of hunger continue until that protein amount is consumed, even if enough calories have been eaten.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (2)
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Testing Protein Leverage in Lean Humans: A Randomised Controlled Experimental Study
When people eat food with less protein, they feel hungrier and end up eating more calories trying to get enough protein — even if they’re already full from other foods. This suggests the body is driven to hit a protein target, no matter how many total calories are eaten.
Protein appetite as an integrator in the obesity system: the protein leverage hypothesis
People’s bodies are wired to get enough protein, and if their food doesn’t have much protein, they keep eating until they’ve had enough—even if they’re already full of calories. That’s why junk food can make you overeat.
Contradicting (0)
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Gold Standard Evidence Needed
According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.