The Claim

A 12-month protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet program results in a marginally significant mean weight loss of 6.86 kg (8.21% of baseline) compared to 4.66 kg (5.47%) in a standard calorie-restricted group, with a between-group difference of 2.20 kg (95% CI: −4.90 to 0.50), indicating a small and statistically uncertain effect on overall body weight.

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

Over 12 months, a diet high in protein and very low in calories led to an average weight loss of 6.86 kg, while a standard calorie-restricted diet led to an average weight loss of 4.66 kg. The difference between the two groups was 2.20 kg, but this difference was not statistically certain.

See the scientific wording

A 12-month protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet program results in a marginally significant mean weight loss of 6.86 kg (8.21% of baseline) compared to 4.66 kg (5.47%) in a standard calorie-restricted group, with a between-group difference of 2.20 kg (95% CI: −4.90 to 0.50), indicating a small and statistically uncertain effect on overall body weight.

Why this might work

Eating more protein makes you feel fuller longer, so you eat fewer calories. Your body also burns more energy digesting protein than carbs or fat. This creates a bigger calorie deficit, helping you lose weight. Protein also helps keep your muscles from breaking down, so more of the weight lost comes from fat.

Supported 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 drank protein shakes lost a little more weight than those who just ate less food, but the difference was so small that it might have happened by chance. Still, the protein group did lose more belly fat, which is a good sign.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

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