What the weight-loss research shows:
Studies from Duke University, the University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Medical Centre suggest that the average weight loss with high protein diets during the first six months of use is approximately 8-10kg and not demonstrably greater than the results from other weight loss regimens.  Additionally a review of 107 studies research on carbohydrate-restricted diet found that the amount of carbohydrates consumed had no effect on the degree of weight loss.

High protein health restrictions:Ketosis
High protein diets are designed to induce ketosis, the condition that occurs in uncontrolled diabetes and starvation.  When they are not enough carbohydrates in the diet to provide glucose to the cells that rely on it as an energy source, ketone bodies are formed from fatty acids.  An increase in circulating ketones can disturb the body's acid-base balance, causing metabolic acidosis, which can lead to hypophosphataemia, resorption of calcium from bone, osteoporosis and kidney stones.

Colon cancer
Regular meat consumption increases colon risk by about 300 percent, according to research from Harvard University.  High-protein diets emphasize animal products and therefore are low in dietary fibre, which facilitates movement of waste, including carcinogens, out of the digestive tract and promotes a biochemical environment within the colon that appears to be protective against cancer.

Heart disease
Typical high-protein diets are extremely high in dietary cholesterol and saturated fat.  The effect of such diets on serum cholesterol concentration is a matter of ongoing research.  However, evidence indicates that meals high in saturated fat impair arterial compliance.  A recent study show that the consumption of a high fat meal (ham-and-cheese sandwich, whole milk and ice-cream) reduce the systemic arterial compliance by 25 percent at three hours and 27 percent at six hours.

Kidney disease
High-protein diets are associated with reduced kidney function, which, over time can lead permanent loss of kidney function.  These diets are associated with a significant decline in kidney function, according to a research from Harvard University monitoring 1624 women particularly in a nurses' health Study.  While kidney damage was found only in those who already had reduced kidney function, this condition is far from rare and currently affects many populations of adults.  Plant protein, on the other hand, had no harmful effect.

Osteoporosis
Very high protein intake is known to encourage urinary calcium losses and has been shown to increase the risk of bone fractures in research studies.
Diabetes complications

With diabetes, kidneys and heart problems are particularly common.  The use of diet fads further attacks the kidneys and reduced arterial compliances as not recommended.
Nutritional deficiencies

The American Heart Association states "high-protein diets are not recommended because they restrict healthful foods that provide essential nutrients and do not provide the variety of foods needed to adequately meet the nutritional needs.  Individuals who follow these diets are therefore at risk for a compromised vitamin and mineral intake, as well as potential cardiac, renal, bone and liver abnormalities overall".

A healthier way to lose weight
Of the many ways to lose weight, one stands out by far as a most healthful.  When meals are built from a generous array of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans, weight loss is remarkably easy.  And along with it comes major improvements in cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and many other aspects of health.  The answer is simple. Cut out foods that are high in fat and devoid of fibre and increase foods that are low in fat, rich in fibre and most nutritious.
prof@cardiacclinic.co.bw