Is eating more protein related to weight loss?

Africa Melane speaks to certified health coach Chloe Altmann, about high-protein foods.

The short answer is, yes. But, there's more to it.

"Technically speaking, it would be yes but if you follow a healthy high-protein diet that's more effective than just thinking protein - if you see 'added protein,' it doesn't necessarily mean it's good for you."

- Chloe Altmann, Certified Health Coach

"So, if you follow a high-protein diet and your goal is just to lose weight, it will make you feel full for longer because it reduces your hunger hormone and increases the hormone that keeps you full - so if you're just aiming to lose weight, then protein is your best friend."

- Chloe Altmann, Certified Health Coach

Altmann believes that whole proteins like meat, chicken, eggs and fish might be better for you than protein powders and other sources of 'added' and 'excessive' proteins.

How much protein should you have?

"If you're following a more holistic and more wholefood protein, then you should just aim for anything between 0.75 to 1.8 grams of protein per kilogramme of body weight."

- Chloe Altmann, Certified Health Coach

"There are so many products out there that claim high-protein and yes there is added protein in it, but there are so many byproducts alongside that might just have immense negative effects on your health."

- Chloe Altmann, Certified Health Coach

Altmann says there are potential dangers of increasing protein at the expense of other foods.

While protein deficiencies can happen, it is 'very rare,' says Altmann.

However, consuming too much protein might also lead to some stomach issues.

"... if you are drinking protein shakes three times a day, getting protein from foods and eating protein bars throughout the day, it can be considered excess protein. If you consume an extreme excess amount of protein, then you will get certain effects like constipation, diarrhoea , nausea, stomach pain."

- Chloe Altmann, Certified Health Coach

"It also puts huge strain on your livers and kidneys because they're responsible for the processing of extra protein."

- Chloe Altmann, Certified Health Coach

If your diet is mostly protein, Altmann recommends going for regular kidney and livers tests to ensure you're not getting too much protein that might be harmful in the long-term.

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