High protein breakfasts can help obese teens manage weight

Washington, June 03 (ANI): High protein breakfasts can improve appetite control in obese adolescents and help them manage weight, researchers claim.

In their study, experts observed the impact of a protein-rich breakfast on adolescents who traditionally skipped breakfast.

When the study participants ate a protein-rich breakfast the researchers observed that the teens were less hungry and ate approximately 130 fewer calories at lunch.

Heather J. Leidy, assistant professor at the University of Missouri and study author, said: "We observed that eating breakfast, regardless of composition, led to increased feelings of fullness (satiety). However, when the adolescents ate a breakfast rich in protein, they also experienced a reduction in hunger, thus maximizing the beneficial effects of protein.

"This study supports similar findings in adults that showed that when adults ate breakfast meals containing high-quality protein foods, including eggs and lean Canadian bacon, they had a greater feeling of satiety throughout the day compared to when protein was eaten at lunch or dinner."

The study has been published online in the International Journal of Obesity.

Another study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that severely obese adolescents who followed a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet had significantly lower body mass index (BMI) after 13 weeks and were also able to maintain weight loss after six months versus those who followed a low-fat diet. The obese adolescents who followed the high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet also experienced greater fat mass loss and reductions in triglyceride levels.

Dave Ellis, a nutrition consultant who works with athletes and families, said: "These findings are important because they arm teens and their families with practical advice that can be implemented at home. Protein-rich foods, such as eggs, can keep individuals satisfied longer, helping them consume fewer calories throughout the day." (ANI)