Nutrition

Does protein help you lose weight? The ultimate nutrition guide for effective weight loss

from Dr. Michael Kohlberger, BSc, MSc
on 17.12.2024
Lose weight with protein

Proteins are more than just a nutritional trend – they are the key to successful weight loss. Scientific studies show impressive results: a protein rich diet can significantly increase weight loss and offers considerably more advantages than conventional dieting methods.

Why proteins are important allies when trying to lose weight

Imagine losing weight without feeling hungry all the time. Sounds too good to be true? Not with the power of proteins! Proteins are not just food. They are important for lasting satiation, an accelerated metabolism and effective fat burning. Unlike diet trends that come and go quickly, proteins offer a scientifically proven strategy for weight loss. Adequate protein intake is particularly important when dieting, otherwise the body will start breaking down its own muscle mass.

The 4 superpowers of proteins for losing weight

Why are proteins so effective? They work on several levels:

  • They counteract muscle wasting and, with the right training, help build muscle – more muscle means a higher basal metabolic rate
  • They promote a feeling of satiety and thus reduce cravings
  • They activate the metabolism
  • They stabilise blood sugar levels

The mechanism is fascinating: proteins boost our metabolism, counteract muscle breakdown and promote a feeling of satiety because they are digested more slowly. Unlike carbohydrates, they ensure a constant supply of energy and prevent hunger cravings.

Muscle maintenance and growth: Proteins are an essential component of our muscles. When you train your muscles through physical activity, they need proteins to grow and regenerate. More muscle mass increases your metabolic rate, which means you burn more calories even when you are at rest, which in turn can have a positive effect on fat burning.

Satiety: proteins satisfy longer than carbohydrates and fats. They regulate your appetite by stimulating the production of satiety hormones. This makes it easier for you to consume fewer calories and cravings become a rarity.

Fat burning and metabolism: Protein helps the body to break down fat reserves. It stimulates the production of growth hormones, which boost the metabolism and promote fat burning. Accordingly, high protein food increases energy consumption, causing your body to burn more calories.

Blood sugar levels: Unlike carbohydrates, proteins do not cause blood sugar levels to rise as sharply. Stable blood sugar levels prevent hunger cravings and make it easier to lose weight.

Protein power: how losing weight with protein works

The principle of losing weight with proteins is simple: you increase the proportion of proteins in your diet and at the same time reduce the carbohydrates. This forces your body to draw its energy from its fat reserves.

Losing weight: how much protein do you really need per day?

The exact protein requirement varies depending on age, weight and level of fitness. As a general rule, trained adults should consume about 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of ideal weight.

Because of the satiating effect of protein, this amount can also be exceeded for weight loss – ideally, the focus should be on protein-rich foods rather than protein shakes.

Minimum supply 0,8 - 1,2 g/kg
For sport 1,6 - 2,2 g/kg
To lose weight 1,2 - 2,2 g/kg

Table 1: Daily protein requirement according to situation

High protein food to lose weight: Which proteins are best?

Forget about boring diet food. High-protein nutrition can be delicious! From delicate salmon to creamy low-fat quark and crunchy tofu – the selection is huge.
Animal protein sources such as chicken breast and eggs are classics. But vegans also get their money's worth: lentils, chickpeas and seitan provide high amounts of protein.

High protein food: animal protein

  • Low-fat curd cheese
  • Cottage cheese
  • Eggs
  • Fish (salmon, tuna)
  • Chicken breast
  • Lean beef

High protein food: vegan protein

  • Tofu
  • Lentils
  • Chickpeas
  • Beans
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Seitan
  • Oat flakes

The combination of different protein sources ensures an optimal amino acid balance and makes the diet more varied.

Read more: Best proteins

Protein powder: quick support for losing weight

Does losing weight by replacing meals with proteins shakes make sense? Protein shakes can be a helpful way to get your daily protein. Especially for those with busy schedules, protein powder is a quick solution to supplementing a healthy diet. Just make sure to look for quality, high protein content and a balanced amino acid profile (high in essential amino acids).

BIOGENA product tips

Our range includes two different high-quality protein sticks with an extremely high biological value (chemical score: 198), which can be used for weight loss depending on your preferences and needs. They differ in their composition, ingredients and flavour.

Vegan Protein CS 198/18 MRP - 20 Sticks

Vegan Protein CS 198/18 MRP 

BIOGENA SPORTS - Vegan Protein Sticks - 21 Sticks

BIOGENA SPORTS - Vegan Protein Sticks 

Pack size

20 Sticks

21 Sticks

Protein amount

12,5 g per Stick

20 g per Stick

Taste

Neutral (for joghurts, desserts, savoury dishes or as a shake)

Vanilla (for shakes, joghurts or desserts)

Ingredients

With 18 essential amino acids and a full range of vitamins and minerals 

With 18 essential amino acids and a high proportion of BCAAs

Application

To improve protein intake and/or as a meal replacement 

For targeted muscle building in training

Scientific findings on high-protein nutrition vs. dieting

Recent studies confirm that a high-protein diet leads to more effective weight loss than conventional diets. The key lies in maintaining muscle mass during weight loss, the satiating effect of protein and the stimulating effect on the metabolism. However, a balanced diet is more important for long-term success than one-sided short-term diets.

Avoid the yo-yo effect

The biggest mistake? Short-term diets. Sustainable weight loss means a long-term change in diet. Integrate proteins into your daily routine and make sure you eat a balanced diet with enough vegetables, fruit and healthy fats. Also, stay active, as this will help you to maintain your weight and strengthen your muscles. Finally, an important credo: be patient with yourself.

Experiences

Many people have had positive experiences with losing weight with proteins. They report faster weight loss, improved satiety and more energy in their daily lives. However, it is important that the change in diet fits your lifestyle and that you feel comfortable in the long term.

Buy protein powder

Practical tips for your success

1. Include proteins in every meal 

The trick is to distribute them evenly. Start with a high-protein meal at breakfast time – for example, a protein omelette, curd cheese with oats or a protein smoothie. At lunchtime, you can opt for chicken salad, tuna or tofu dishes. For dinner, lean fish dishes, chicken breast or vegetarian alternatives such as lentil bolognese are suitable.

The trick: plan your meals in advance and always have high-protein snacks to hand – such as hard-boiled eggs, nuts or even a protein bar.

2. Drink enough water

Protein metabolism and hydration go hand in hand. Depending on your individual needs, we recommend drinking at least 1.5 litres of water a day. Water not only supports the metabolism, but also helps to regulate hunger and prevent cravings.

Practical tips:

  • Start the day with a large glass of water
  • Carry a water bottle with you
  • Set reminders on your smartphone
  • Experiment with flavours such as lemon or cucumber

3. Exercise regularly

Exercise is the catalyst for effective weight loss. Combine cardio and weight training for optimal results:

Weight training:

  • Supports muscle building
  • Increases the metabolic rate
  • Also burns calories, although less than cardio training

Cardio training:

  • Burns calories directly
  • Improves cardiovascular health
  • Increases stamina and energy

Start slowly and increase continuously. Find sports that you enjoy - whether it's swimming, cycling, yoga or group training.

4. Pay attention to the calorie deficit

A calorie deficit is the key to weight loss. Calculate your daily calorie requirement and reduce it by 10-20%. Important: The reduction should be moderate to prevent muscle loss. Too much reduction can also lead to you not being able to maintain the change in diet for long and the well-known yo-yo effect occurring.

Helpful strategies:

  • Use fitness apps to calculate calories
  • Keep a food diary
  • Pay attention to portion sizes
  • Choose nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods

Also avoid extreme diets. A sustainable, balanced diet is the key to long-term success.

Additional tip: Stay patient and realistic. Weight loss is a process, not a quick fix. Small, consistent changes lead to lasting success.

5. One last tip

Every body is unique. What works for one person may not be ideal for another. If in doubt, consult a nutritionist or doctor.

Are you ready to revolutionise your diet? Protein could be the key to your desired weight.

Frequently asked questions about losing weight with proteins

Yes, protein helps you lose weight as it makes you feel full, boosts your metabolism and counteracts muscle loss or supports muscle building during exercise.

The speed of weight loss depends on various factors, such as your initial weight, your calorie deficit and your activity level. A healthy rate of weight loss is 0.5 - 1kg per week.

Losing weight with protein is often equated with a low-carb diet. In fact, it is advisable to reduce simple carbohydrates such as industrial sugar. However, these can be replaced by complex carbohydrates, for example from wholemeal products. This keeps blood sugar levels stable and reduces cravings. However, it is not necessary to give up carbohydrates altogether.

Sources and further reading

Brehm BJ, D'Alessio DA (2008). Benefits of high-protein weight loss diets: enough evidence for practice? Current Opinion Endocrinol Diabetes and Obesity. Bd. 15(5):416-21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18769212/

Halton TL, Hu FB (2004). The effects of high protein diets on thermogenesis, satiety and weight loss: a critical review. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Bd. 23(5):373-85. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15466943/

Keller U (2011). Dietary proteins in obesity and in diabetes. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. Bd. 81(2-3):125-33. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22139563/

Pasiakos SM., et al. (2013). Effects of high-protein diets on fat-free mass and muscle protein synthesis following weight loss: a randomized controlled trial. FASEB J.  Bd. 27(9):3837-47 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23739654/

Westerterp-Plantenga MS, Lemmens SG, Westerterp KR (2012). Dietary protein - its role in satiety, energetics, weight loss and health. Br J Nutr. Bd. 108 Suppl 2:S105-12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23107521/

Westerterp-Plantenga MS., et al. (2009). Dietary protein, weight loss, and weight maintenance. Annu Rev Nutr. Bd. 29:21-41. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19400750/

König D., et al. (2020). Proteins in sports nutrition. Position of the working group sports nutrition of the German Nutrition Society (DGE). Ernahrungs Umschau. Bd. 67(7): 132–9. https://www.ernaehrungs-umschau.de/fileadmin/Ernaehrungs-Umschau/pdfs/pdf_2020/07_20/EU07_2020_M406_M413_1.pdf

Jäger R., et al. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise. Bd. 20 https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung e.V. (2017): Protein. https://www.dge.de/wissenschaft/referenzwerte/protein/

Stokes T, et a. (2018). Recent Perspectives Regarding the Role of Dietary Protein for the Promotion of Muscle Hypertrophy with Resistance Exercise Training. Nutrients. 7;10(2):180. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29414855/ 

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