Effects of Whey Protein or Its Hydrolysate Supplements Combined with an Energy-Restricted Diet on Weight Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Older Women.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the effects of whey protein (WP) or whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) combined with an energy-restricted diet on weight reduction and muscle preservation in older women with overweight and obesity.
Results Summary
WPH supplementation led to greater reductions in body weight, BMI, and body fat compared to the control group, while fat-free mass remained unchanged. The tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway was upregulated in the WPH group, suggesting increased energy metabolism.
Population
Older women with overweight and obesity.
Effective Dosage
20 g/d WP or WPH.
Duration
8 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) combined with an energy-restricted diet (ERD) | decrease | body weight | older women with overweight and obesity | -2.34 ± 1.35 vs. -1.11 ± 1.11 | reductions were higher | #1 |
whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) combined with an energy-restricted diet (ERD) | decrease | BMI | older women with overweight and obesity | -0.97 ± 0.54 vs. -0.46 ± 0.45 | reductions were higher | #2 |
whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) combined with an energy-restricted diet (ERD) | decrease | body fat | older women with overweight and obesity | -2.45 ± 1.65 vs. -0.70 ± 0.92 | reductions were higher | #3 |
whey protein (WP) or WP hydrolysate (WPH) combined with an energy-restricted diet (ERD) | decrease | body fat (%) | older women with overweight and obesity | - | significantly decreased | #4 |
whey protein (WP) or WP hydrolysate (WPH) combined with an energy-restricted diet (ERD) | no change | fat-free mass | older women with overweight and obesity | - | did not significantly change | #5 |
whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) combined with an energy-restricted diet (ERD) | increase | tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway | older women with overweight and obesity | - | was upregulated | #6 |
whey protein (WP) or WP hydrolysate (WPH) combined with an energy-restricted diet (ERD) | no change | gut microbiota | older women with overweight and obesity | - | No significant changes | #7 |
whey protein (WP) or WP hydrolysate (WPH) combined with an energy-restricted diet (ERD) | neutral | weight loss | older women | - | benefits | #8 |
whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) combined with an energy-restricted diet (ERD) | neutral | - | older women | - | was more effective | #9 |
An energy-restricted weight-loss approach has limitations when it used in the elderly, especially because of muscle loss. We aimed to assess the effects of whey protein (WP) or WP hydrolysate (WPH) combined with an energy-restricted diet (ERD) on weight reduction and muscle preservation in older women with overweight and obesity. A total of 60 women were randomized to the control (ERD), WP (ERD + 20 g/d WP) or WPH (ERD + 20 g/d WPH) group, using a 1:1:1 allocation ratio. After an 8-week intervention, body composition, gut microbiota, and serum metabolomics changes were compared among the three groups. The reductions in body weight (−1.11 ± 1.11 vs. −2.34 ± 1.35, p < 0.05), BMI (−0.46 ± 0.45 vs. −0.97 ± 0.54, p < 0.05), and body fat (−0.70 ± 0.92 vs. −2.45 ± 1.65, p < 0.01) were higher in the WPH group than in the control group. Body fat (%) was significantly decreased in the two protein groups. Fat-free mass did not significantly change among the three groups. Serum metabolomics showed that the tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway was upregulated in the WPH group. No significant changes in microbiota were observed among the groups. In conclusion, WP or WPH supplementation combined with an energy-restricted diet benefits older women during weight loss. WPH was more effective, possibly due to increased energy metabolism.