Whey protein and exercise help trim fat

2014-07-02 15:04:10

When trying to lose weight or improve the fat distribution, people will try multiple different exercises or supplement regiments. This study looked at the timed-ingestion of supplemental protein (in particular, 20g servings of whey protein 3 times daily) added to a regular diet.⁽¹⁾ This was done in overweight and obese adults. They were randomized to receive whey protein only, whey protein and resistance exercise, or whey protein and a multi-mode exercise program. Regional body composition and visceral adipose tissue mass, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol, and feelings of hunger were measured before and after the 16 weeks of the study. All groups lost body weight, fat mass and abdominal fat. However, those doing the whey and multi-mode exercise program lost significantly more weight and fat mass and gained a greater percentage of lean body mass compared to the other groups. Fasting blood sugar also went down the most in this group, and measures of hunger and satiety were improved. The researchers conclude that exercise training and timed-ingestion of whey protein, independent of dieting and calorie restriction, can improve multiple parameters.