In overweight and obese women aged 60–75, consuming 1.28 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day during resistance training does not lower resting energy expenditure, whereas higher protein diets typically lower resting energy expenditure during weight loss.
See the scientific wording
In overweight and obese women aged 60–75, a higher protein diet (1.28 g/kg/day) during resistance training does not reduce resting energy expenditure, while such diets are associated with metabolic slowdown during weight loss.
Very strong evidence
Randomized trialsOne good-quality study supports this claim.
What the research says
1 study reviewedSupporting (1)
Randomized Controlled TrialHuman2018
When older women ate more protein and did strength training while losing weight, their bodies kept burning calories at the same rate—unlike most diets that slow down metabolism. This suggests eating more protein helps keep your metabolism steady while losing fat.
Contradicting (0)
No contradicting studies found yet
That doesn't mean it's settled — it just means no study has tested the opposite.
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Eating more protein while losing weight keeps muscle from breaking down, and since muscle burns more calories at rest than fat, the body continues to use the same amount of energy even when losing weight.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting study
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In overweight and obese women aged 60–75, consuming 1.28 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day during resistance training does not lower resting energy expenditure, whereas higher protein diets typically lower resting energy expenditure during weight loss.
Mechanism
1 studyEating more protein while losing weight keeps muscle from shrinking, and since muscle burns more calories at rest than fat, the body keeps burning the same amount of energy. Resistance training helps by signaling muscles to stay strong and intact, even when calories are low.
Eating more protein while losing weight keeps muscle from breaking down, and since muscle burns more calories at rest than fat, the body continues to use the same amount of energy even when losing weight.
Dietary protein increases postprandial plasma amino acid concentrations, particularly leucine.
Elevated leucine activates the mTORC1 signaling pathway in skeletal muscle.
mTORC1 activation increases translation initiation and ribosomal biogenesis, enhancing net muscle protein accretion.
Resistance exercise generates mechanical tension that activates integrin and focal adhesion kinase signaling, further stimulating mTORC1 and muscle protein synthesis.
Preserved fat-free mass maintains baseline metabolic demand, preventing the decline in resting energy expenditure that typically accompanies fat loss.
Less supported by current evidence, but not ruled out
More protein changes signals from fat tissue to reduce hunger and increase fat burning, allowing weight loss without triggering a drop in calorie burning.
Higher protein intake increases adiponectin secretion from adipose tissue.
Increased adiponectin enhances insulin sensitivity and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle and liver.
Higher protein intake reduces leptin secretion from adipocytes in response to fat mass loss.
Lower leptin and higher adiponectin levels sustain energy expenditure by preventing the metabolic adaptation typically triggered by reduced fat mass.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Community contributions welcome
Effects of Adherence to a Higher Protein Diet on Weight Loss, Markers of Health, and Functional Capacity in Older Women Participating in a Resistance-Based Exercise Program
When older women ate more protein and did strength training while losing weight, their bodies kept burning calories at the same rate—unlike most diets that slow down metabolism. This suggests eating more protein helps keep your metabolism steady while losing fat.
Contradicting (0)
Community contributions welcome
Score Breakdown
No multi-axis breakdown available yet. The overall Pro / Against score above is the best signal.
- No clinical evidence is available; the score reflects mechanistic plausibility only.
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.
Systematic Review of High-Protein Diets During Resistance Training on Resting Energy Expenditure in Overweight and Obese Older Women
Population: Overweight and obese women aged 60–75; Intervention: High-protein diet at 1.28 g/kg/day during resistance training; Comparator: Standard-protein diet during resistance training; Outcome: Resting energy expenditure measured via indirect calorimetry; Duration: Minimum 12 weeks.
Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial of 1.28 g/kg/day Protein vs. Control Diet During Resistance Training on Resting Energy Expenditure in Overweight and Obese Women Aged 60–75
Population: Overweight and obese women aged 60–75; Intervention: 1.28 g/kg/day protein diet with standardized resistance training; Comparator: Isocaloric control diet with 0.8 g/kg/day protein and same resistance training; Outcome: Resting energy expenditure measured by doubly labeled water or indirect calorimetry; Duration: 16 weeks.
Prospective Cohort Study of Protein Intake and Resting Energy Expenditure Trajectories in Overweight and Obese Women Aged 60–75 Undergoing Resistance Training
Population: Overweight and obese women aged 60–75 initiating resistance training; Exposure: Protein intake ≥1.28 g/kg/day; Comparator: Protein intake <1.0 g/kg/day; Outcome: Serial measurements of resting energy expenditure over 6–12 months; Duration: Minimum 6 months.
Cross-Sectional Analysis of Protein Intake and Resting Energy Expenditure in Overweight and Obese Women Aged 60–75 Engaging in Resistance Training
Population: Overweight and obese women aged 60–75 currently performing resistance training; Exposure: Self-reported protein intake at 1.28 g/kg/day; Outcome: Single measurement of resting energy expenditure; Duration: Single time point.
Case Report of Resting Energy Expenditure Changes in an Overweight Obese Woman Aged 72 on 1.28 g/kg/day Protein During Resistance Training
Population: Single overweight and obese woman aged 72; Intervention: 1.28 g/kg/day protein diet during resistance training; Outcome: Changes in resting energy expenditure over 12 weeks; Duration: 12 weeks.