A high-protein diet is a diet in which 20% or more of the total daily calories come from protein.[1] Many high protein diets are high in saturated fat and restrict intake of carbohydrates.[1]
Increased protein consumption is shown to increase muscle mass, improve muscle adaptations to resistance training, and reduce muscle loss in periods of energy and nutrient deficit.[3][6] High-protein low-calorie diets are often used in the setting of treating obesity.[7] A high-protein diet does not significantly improve blood pressure and glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.[8]
In 2001, the American Heart Association’s Nutrition Committee issued a recommendation against some high-protein diets such as the Atkins diet and Protein Power.[5] The committee noted potential health risks of these diets and how there are no long-term scientific studies to support their efficacy and safety.[5]
A 2017 review indicated that a high-protein diet (superior to 1.5 g per kilogram of ideal body weight per day) may contribute to life-long risk of kidney damage, including progression of or potentially new onset chronic kidney disease.[9][10] Though, a 2023 umbrella review found no evidence that higher protein intake (> 0.8 g/kg body weight/day) does specifically trigger CKD.[11] According to the American Heart Association, high-protein diets that contain high amounts of saturated fat increase risk of coronary artery disease and cancer.[5]
The following are examples of high-protein fad diets:[1][5][12][13]
^Yu Z, Nan F, Wang LY, Jiang H, Chen W, Jiang Y (June 2020). "Effects of high-protein diet on glycemic control, insulin resistance and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials". Clinical Nutrition. 39 (6): 1724–1734. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2019.08.008. PMID31466731. S2CID201674247.