Supplementing with whey protein during dieting may be an
effective way to preserve lean tissue. Whey has a high content
of leucine and it provides anabolic effects on muscle protein
synthesis. Researchers at the University of Illinois had
overweight women participate in a 6-month weight loss program.
The women were given diet plans that included protein intake at
the recommended dietary allowance of 0.8g per kilogram of body
weight (about 55g of protein for a 150-pound woman). One group
of women received an additional 25g of whey protein two times
per day, while the second group received the same amount of a
carbohydrate supplement. Both groups consumed 1,400 kcal per
day. After 6 months, the whey protein group lost almost twice as
much body weight (-8%) than the carb group (-4.1%). Researchers
then examined changes in the women’s thighs using magnetic
resonance imaging. Results revealed greater loss of adipose
(fat) tissue in the whey group. As a percentage of the total
muscle volume, there was also a greate