ISLAMABAD: A new study published in the scientific journal eLife suggests that engaging in progressive strength training using resistance methods could counter the adverse effects of a high-protein diet.
While protein consumption is generally beneficial for promoting muscle growth and strength, especially when combined with exercise, excessive protein intake can pose risks for sedentary individuals, increasing the likelihood of heart disease, diabetes, and mortality.
To investigate whether exercise can mitigate the detrimental effects of a high-protein diet, researchers at the University of Wisconsin, US, conducted a study using mice. The team implemented a progressive resistance-based strength training program in one group of mice while maintaining another group on a sedentary lifestyle. The mice were divided into two categories: one group was fed a low-protein diet (7 percent of calories from protein), and the other was fed a high-protein diet (36 percent of calories from protein).
Study into Adverse Effects of High-Protein Diet
Over three months, the active mice pulled a cart with an increasing load three times a week, while the sedentary mice pulled an identical cart with no load. The researchers analyzed various metrics, including body composition, weight, and metabolic measurements such as blood glucose levels.
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The results indicated that the high-protein diet had detrimental effects on metabolic health in sedentary mice, leading to excess fat mass compared to their counterparts on the low-protein diet. However, in the mice engaged in progressive strength training, the high-protein diet resulted in muscle growth, particularly in the forearm, and prevented the accumulation of fat.
Despite these promising findings, the study does have limitations. The use of mice may restrict the applicability of the results to humans due to inherent physiological differences. Additionally, the researchers suggested that further investigations into the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for these outcomes would enhance the study’s credibility.
