The Claim

Reducing dietary protein intake to 10% of total energy intake increases spontaneous total caloric intake by 12%.

Source: I Replaced 16:8 Fasting With This and Everything Got Better

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports

59score

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.

Cause and effect

2 studies reviewed

In plain English

When people reduce the amount of protein in their diet to 10% of their total calories, they tend to eat more total calories without trying.

See the scientific wording

Reducing dietary protein to 10% of total energy intake increases spontaneous total caloric intake by 12%.

2 studies

Study: Dietary protein restriction elevates FGF21 levels and energy requirements to maintain body weight in lean men
When people eat less protein, their bodies seem to crave more food to stay at the same weight, even if they’re not trying to gain weight. This study shows that eating only 10% protein made men naturally eat more calories to keep from losing weight.
Study: Testing Protein Leverage in Lean Humans: A Randomised Controlled Experimental Study
When people ate a diet with only 10% protein, they ended up eating 12% more calories without trying—likely because their bodies kept craving more food to get enough protein. This supports the idea that low-protein diets can make you eat more.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 2 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.