Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Many studies have shown that dietary protein content may play a role in weight management. Moreover, it has been found that diets high in protein (either animal or plant) significantly reduced markers of insulin resistance and hepatic necroinflammation independently of body weight change. This study aimed to examine the effect of dietary protein source on body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in young adults with obesity during anti-inflammatory weight management program.

Methods: A total of 56 participants (93% female, mean age 44 years, mean BMI 35.4 kg/m2) were enrolled in the study, and 42 of them completed the 24-week anti-inflammatory weight management program in the Obesity Outpatient Clinic at the Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Croatia. Dietary protein intake was estimated from six three-day food diaries. The inflammatory potential of diet was assessed with the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII^®). Body composition parameters were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (Seca® mBCA 515, Hamburg, Germany). Serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein from fasting blood samples were measured and their correlation with dietary protein intake from animal or plant origin was examined.

Results: On average, participants lost 7.1 kg (P<0.01) over the 24-week period, and reduced high sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration by 30% (P<0.01). The inflammatory potential of their diet was significantly improved toward more anti-inflammatory potential (P<0.01). The total (P<0.01), animal (P<0.01) and plant (P=0.01) protein intakes were significantly reduced, but its energy fraction was significantly increased (P<0.01). The plant protein intake was strongly negatively correlated with serum triglycerides (r=-0.99, P=0.02) at the beginning of the program, and total body fat mass (r=-0.99, P=0.02) after its completion. There was no correlation between animal protein intake with any of the considered parameters.

Conclusion: The study results suggest that change of the dietary protein source toward plant origin can improve body composition and cardiometabolic risk profile in young adults with obesity.