In August 2018 researchers from the USA and Australia published the results of their study to assess whether adherence to a high protein diet plus exercise induced more favourable changes in the body than either a high carbohydrate diet plus exercise or exercise training alone with no diet intervention. A total of 54 overweight and obese females (average age 66 years) were assigned to one of the three groups. The individuals followed their respective diet plans and participated in a supervised 30-minute resistance exercise programme 3 days each week. The women were assessed at 0, 10, and 14 weeks. Results showed that after 14 weeks, individuals in the high protein group experienced significantly greater reductions in weight, fat mass, and body fat percentage. Significant differences were also observed in leptin and adiponectin. All groups experienced significant improvements in muscular strength, muscular endurance, aerobic capacity, markers of balance and functional capacity, and several markers of health. The researchers concluded that a high protein diet, while participating in a resistance-based exercise programme, promoted more favourable changes in the body compared to a higher carbohydrate diet in older females.
Galbreath M et al. 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. Nutrients. 2018 Aug 11;10(8). pii: E1070.