The Claim
A 12-month protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet program is associated with a smaller loss of lean body mass (−0.90 kg) compared to a standard calorie-restricted diet (−1.44 kg), though the difference is not statistically significant (p = 0.632).
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Over 12 months, people on a very-low-calorie diet with extra protein lost 0.90 kilograms less lean body mass than those on a standard calorie-restricted diet, but the difference was not statistically significant.
See the scientific wording
A 12-month protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet program is associated with greater preservation of lean body mass (−0.90 kg loss) compared to a standard calorie-restricted diet (−1.44 kg loss), though the between-group difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.632), suggesting a potential protective effect against muscle loss during weight loss.
When a person eats a lot of protein while eating very few calories, the amino acids from the protein turn on a signal in muscle cells that tells them to build more protein. This stops the body from breaking down muscle tissue as much, so less muscle is lost during weight loss.
What the research says
1 studyPeople who drank protein shakes lost more weight and shrank their waistlines more than those who just ate less food, which suggests they lost more fat and kept more muscle — even if the difference wasn't huge enough to be 100% certain.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.