Abstract

Author(s): Diniz Araujo, Maria Lucia1; Lima Barreto, Clarissa da Costa2; Ferreira Lima, Crístenes Oliveira de Melo3; Vagner Marcelino, José4; Diniz, Alcides da Silva1; Cabral, Poliana Coelho1; Costa, André dos Santos1

Introduction: Studies suggest that low protein calorie diets may be more effective in losing weight and body fat than low calorie diets with normal amounts of protein.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of isocaloric dietary interventions with changes in the amounts of proteins and carbohydrates on the weight and body composition of elderly women.

Methods: 25 elderly women with excess weight (body mass index> 25 kg / m2) were submitted to strength training and diets with a reduction of 300 kg, changes in the amounts of proteins (1.8 g / kg / day x 1.0 g / Kg / day) and carbohydrates (2.0g / kg / day x 3.0g / kg / day) and similar amounts of lipids and fibers for eight weeks.

Results: The carbohydrate group had a clinically significant weight loss compared to the control group (-2.5 ± 2.3 x -0.4 ± 2.1 p = 0.086). As for the loss of body fat, the carbohydrate and protein groups showed values higher than twice the control group, with an important clinical differential, especially between the control and carbohydrate groups (714 ± 1701 x -2061 ± 2297).

Discussion: Although some studies report the beneficial effects of a protein-rich diet on weight loss, such as satiety and a greater thermogenic effect induced by the diet, in the present study, caloric restriction was more important than manipulation in the amount of macronutrients.

Conclusion: The low-calorie diet with different patterns of protein intake does not seem to be superior to the simple caloric restriction in weight loss and changes in body composition.