The Effects of an Ad Libitum High Protein-High Fat Diet on Body Composition and Health

The Effects of an Ad Libitum High Protein-High Fat Diet on Body Composition and Health

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effects of a high-protein high-fat diet on an inactive 21-year-old female student during two 30-day experimental periods; there was no exercise intervention.. For the first 30 days of the study, a 47% carbohydrate, 23% protein, and 29% fat diet was followed and approximately 1573 calories were consumed. During the second experimental period of 30 days, the subject consumed a higher-protein/higher-fat diet that consisted of 24% carbohydrate, 29% protein, and 48% fat diet. Approximately 1719 calories were consumed daily. A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel and Lipid Panel blood test was obtained at the end of each diet and there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose after the high protein-high fat diet. A positive effect on blood lipid levels was noticed which indicated that a high protein-high fat diet improved cardiovascular health. Total percent body fat showed 11% decline and subcutaneous adipose tissue also declined significantly in the triceps, suprailliac, and thigh regions. Thus, the consumption of a diet higher in protein and fat resulted in a decrease in body fat as well as an improvement in various health indices in spite of the fact that more calories were consumed