The effects of hypocaloric, high-protein diets on cardiovascular risk
factors and weight loss in metabolically healthy obese adults: a
systematic review
Abstract
Background: This systematic review has been undertaken in order to
assess the effects of hypocaloric, high-protein diets on weight loss and
cardiovascular risk factors such as serum lipid levels in metabolically
healthy obese adults. The primary outcomes measured include changes in
pre- and post- diet mean BMI, LDL-C, HDL-C, TAG, and TC levels. Method:
Four databases including: Embase, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane and Web
of Science were searched with no restrictions on language or publication
period. Clinicaltrials.gov was also searched in order to identify
unpublished or on-going studies. Results: Three of four studies included
in this systematic review noted a significantly greater loss in pre- and
post- diet mean BMI levels in the hypocaloric, high-protein diet group
as compared to hypocaloric, non-high protein diets (control). Whilst
pre- and post-diet mean LDL-C, HDL-C, TAG, and TC levels did not differ
significantly among hypocaloric, high-protein and control diet groups.
Conclusion: Hypocaloric, high-protein diets had an unclear effect on
blood-lipid levels as compared to control. Weight loss however was
significantly greater in the hypocaloric, high-protein group as compared
to other hypocaloric, non-high-protein diet groups.