Beyond the current diktats which inevitably associate “thinness” and “beauty”, it is sometimes necessary to lose a few pounds to preserve one’s health. Indeed, overweight (i.e. when the Body Mass Index is greater than 25) and obesity (BMI greater than 30) are major risk factors for many pathologies: type 2, cardiovascular disease, pancreatic cancer…
We do not lose weight in the same way at 30, 40 or 50 years old. Researchers at Wake Forest University (in the United States) have just discovered an effective diet for losing weight after the age of 65. Their work has been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
The American researchers worked with 96 volunteers aged 65 and over. The participants were divided into two groups: for 6 months, the first group received a diet low in calories but rich in protein (more than 1 g of protein per kg of body mass). The second group, meanwhile, followed a balanced diet but less rich in protein (about 0.8 g of protein per kg) over the same period.
Lean protein, twice a day
At the end of the experiment, the weight loss was more significant in the participants of the first group, in particular at the level of the circumference of the hips and the circumference of the thighs. They had also maintained their muscle mass and improved their bone density.
More specifically, each day, participants in group 1 were entitled to 2 balanced meals based on vegetables and lean proteins (chicken, turkey, eggs, dairy products, white fish, seafood, etc.), as well as 4 meal replacements and a balanced snack (a handful of almonds, a square of dark chocolate, a dairy product and/or a fresh fruit…).
“This work shows that from a certain age, a diet low in calories but rich in lean proteins is beneficial for health and for the silhouette” conclude the researchers. Well noted!
Read also :
The Mediterranean diet, 2019 diet champion
A girl suffers from rickets because of her vegan parents
Poor diet leads to poor mental health
