Nutritional Considerations During Major Weight Loss Therapy: Focus on Optimal Protein and a Low-Carbohydrate Dietary Pattern

Abstract

Purpose of review: Considering the high prevalence of obesity and related metabolic impairments in the population, the unique role nutrition has in weight loss, reversing metabolic disorders, and maintaining health cannot be overstated. Normal weight and well-being are compatible with varying dietary patterns, but for the last half century there has been a strong emphasis on low-fat, low-saturated fat, high-carbohydrate based approaches. Whereas low-fat dietary patterns can be effective for a subset of individuals, we now have a population where the vast majority of adults have excess adiposity and some degree of metabolic impairment. We are also entering a new era with greater access to bariatric surgery and approval of anti-obesity medications (glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues) that produce substantial weight loss for many people, but there are concerns about disproportionate loss of lean mass and nutritional deficiencies.

Recent findings: No matter the approach used to achieve major weight loss, careful attention to nutritional considerations is necessary. Here, we examine the recent findings regarding the importance of adequate protein to maintain lean mass, the rationale and evidence supporting low-carbohydrate and ketogenic dietary patterns, and the potential benefits of including exercise training in the context of major weight loss. While losing and sustaining weight loss has proven challenging, we are optimistic that application of emerging nutrition science, particularly personalized well-formulated low-carbohydrate dietary patterns that contain adequate protein (1.2 to 2.0 g per kilogram reference weight) and achieve the beneficial metabolic state of euketonemia (circulating ketones 0.5 to 5 mM), is a promising path for many individuals with excess adiposity.

Keywords: Adiposity; Body composition; Dietary patterns; Ketogenic; Low-carbohydrate; Nutrition; Obesity; Weight loss.

Fig. 1

Dietary protein graphical summary

Fig. 2

Circulating ketones, principally betahydroxybutyrate (R-BHB), span over four orders of magnitude [< 0.01 to > 10 mM]. Emerging research indicates that moving from relatively low ketone levels (i.e., "hypoketonemia") observed in people consuming a standard American diet to moderate ketone levels associated with nutritional ketosis (i.e., ~ 0.5 to 5.0 mM or "euketonemia") is associated with a myriad of health benefits