Protein intake and weight loss in overweight or obese individuals

Introduction: Food plays a central role in weight loss. However, there is the possibility of maximizing health efficiency during this process, depending on the ingested amount of each macronutrient. Objective: To evaluate the effect of protein intake on weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. Material and Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out, according to the PRISMA methodology, using the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected, resulting in 14 eligible articles out of 422 initially identified. Results: Studies revealed that groups with higher protein intake had greater weight and fat loss - 4 (28.57%) and 6 studies (42.86%), respectively. It was also found that, associated with this weight loss, in 2 studies (14.29%) there were significant reductions in LDL cholesterol, and in 1 study (7.14%), there was a reduction in the levels of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Effects on satiety and appetite were analyzed in 4 studies (28.57%), with 2 (14.29%) reporting higher levels of satiety and better appetite control in the higher protein intake group. Conclusion: A higher protein intake may enhance beneficial effects on weight loss in overweight or obese individuals, however there is a need for further studies to support the occurrences analyzed in this review.