People following a high-protein meal replacement diet report eating less impulsively and with less bingeing than those on a standard low-calorie diet, indicating the diet may help regulate eating habits.
Evidence from Studies
No evidence studies found yet.
What Would Prove This
Per GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this claim, ordered from strongest to weakest.
Whether protein-supplemented VLCDs consistently improve eating behaviors (e.g., impulsivity, overeating) more than standard diets in obese adults, independent of weight loss.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of at least 10 RCTs (n > 600 total participants) comparing protein-supplemented VLCDs with standard diets in obese adults, using validated questionnaires (e.g., BES, IES-2) to measure overeating, impulsivity, and bingeing at baseline and 12 months.
Whether adding 20g/day soy protein to a VLCD causes greater improvements in impulsive eating than an identical diet without protein, independent of behavioral coaching.
A double-blind RCT of 120 obese adults (BMI 25–39.9 kg/m²) randomized to identical 800 kcal/day VLCDs with either 20g/day soy protein isolate or an isocaloric placebo, with identical behavioral coaching, measuring impulsive eating via the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale at baseline, 4, and 12 months.
Whether individuals who consume higher protein during weight loss maintain improved eating behaviors over 3 years.
A prospective cohort of 700 obese adults undergoing weight loss, tracking daily protein intake and measuring eating behaviors via validated questionnaires at baseline, 6, 12, and 36 months, adjusting for baseline impulsivity and psychological factors.
Whether individuals who maintain improved eating behaviors after weight loss consumed higher protein during their diet compared to those who relapsed.
A case-control study comparing 120 adults who maintained improved eating behaviors for 2 years after weight loss with 240 controls who relapsed, retrospectively analyzing their protein intake and meal replacement adherence during the first 12 months.
Whether higher protein intake during weight loss is correlated with lower impulsivity scores at a single time point.
A cross-sectional analysis of 3,000 adults who recently completed a weight-loss program, comparing impulsivity scores (BIS-11) with self-reported protein intake during the diet, adjusting for age, sex, and baseline psychological status.