Why eating more protein makes your body burn more calories after meals
Postprandial Thermogenesis Is Increased 100% on a High-Protein, Low-Fat Diet versus a High-Carbohydrate, Low-Fat Diet in Healthy, Young Women
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Postprandial thermogenesis was nearly doubled (100% higher) on the high-protein diet, despite both diets being low-fat and tested in the same people.
Many assume carbs or fats drive calorie burn after meals — but this shows protein’s metabolic cost is uniquely high, even in young, healthy women eating balanced low-fat meals.
Practical Takeaways
Swap some carbs for protein at breakfast or dinner to potentially boost post-meal calorie burn.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Postprandial thermogenesis was nearly doubled (100% higher) on the high-protein diet, despite both diets being low-fat and tested in the same people.
Many assume carbs or fats drive calorie burn after meals — but this shows protein’s metabolic cost is uniquely high, even in young, healthy women eating balanced low-fat meals.
Practical Takeaways
Swap some carbs for protein at breakfast or dinner to potentially boost post-meal calorie burn.
Publication
Journal
Journal of the American College of Nutrition
Year
2002
Authors
C. Johnston, Carol S Day, P. Swan
Related Content
Claims (7)
Diet-induced thermogenesis is significantly higher for dietary protein compared to carbohydrates and fats due to the energetic cost of protein absorption, metabolism, and amino acid synthesis.
Diet-induced thermogenesis is significantly higher for dietary protein compared to carbohydrates and fats due to the greater metabolic cost of protein absorption, transport, and amino acid metabolism.
Eating a diet high in protein and low in fat makes your body burn about twice as much energy after meals compared to eating a diet high in carbs and low in fat.
When people eat more protein and fewer carbs, their bodies hold onto more protein instead of breaking it down and losing it, which means they’re building or maintaining muscle better.
When people eat more protein, their blood shows higher levels of a waste product called urea, which means their body is breaking down more protein than when they eat more carbs.