Does Whey Protein Promote Weight Loss?
Whether you can take powdered protein and lose weight without exercising is a topic that has prompted intense debate. Multiple studies show that some proteins (like whey protein) are superior to others, and they can be instrumental in achieving numerous fitness and workout goals.
Whey protein powder might be an excellent augmentation to your weight loss program if you aim to increase strength, add muscle, and drop excess pounds of body fat (including but not limited to belly fat). Legion Athletics calls it an “easy, healthy, and delicious way to eat more high-quality protein.”
No single product or food is a silver bullet that will immediately eliminate large amounts of belly or body fat. However, including whey protein within a calorie-restricted diet could aid in losing weight and bring your goals to fruition. The bottom line is that you must consume fewer calories than you ultimately burn to achieve significant weight loss.
Whey protein is among the most popular products on the market today. Many consider it top-of-the-line for exercise enthusiasts looking to burn fat and build muscle while maintaining a healthy balance in their lives.
Whey Protein: What Is It and Why Does It Contribute to Weight Loss?
Whey protein is a compound that you can find in whey. Whey is the liquid or watery substance that separates from curds when milk turns into cheese. Milk initially contains two primary types of protein: casein and whey.
Milk proteins are 80% the former and 20% the latter. Several processing steps must occur after the whey is separated from curds during cheese-making before one can use it as an exercise supplement. The final product is typically a powder, which many people enjoy adding to shakes or other foods. Sometimes, food companies include it as an ingredient in protein bars.
When people consume whey in these forms, it is arguably a convenient meal-replacement supplement for individuals desiring to lose excess pounds.
Whey contains copious amounts of critical amino acids like cysteine and leucine. These are high-quality compounds that your body needs when building lean muscle. Thus, their presence in whey adds to the argument that whey protein is beneficial in these endeavors. Additionally, proteins like those in whey are known to boost metabolism and reduce appetite, further increasing the effectiveness of such supplements.
Multiple studies conclude whey protein may be an effective tool for people attempting to manage their weight since it contributes to satiety. That means people feel fuller after consuming the supplement and are less likely to eat as much during their next meal.
This reduction, of course, decreases their calorie intake – something that is vital in any weight-loss program. In 2008, Nutrition & Metabolism published a study concerning overweight and obese adults who took whey protein. They found that those who had the supplements retained better muscle mass and lost substantially more body fat than those who did not.
Each individual should always consult a medical professional when making significant changes to their diet or exercise plans, and all should remember that no supplement is an absolute cure-all. However, published research and general observation suggest that whey protein products can benefit weight loss/muscle-building if used safely and responsibly.