Dietary protein restriction elevates FGF21 levels and energy requirements to maintain body weight in lean men.

ABSTRACT: Dietary protein restriction increases energy expenditure and enhances insulin sensitivity in mice. However, the effects of a eucaloric protein-restricted diet in healthy humans remain unexplored. Here, we show in lean, healthy men that a protein-restricted diet meeting the minimum protein requirements for 5 weeks necessitates an increase in energy intake to uphold body weight, regardless of whether proteins are replaced with fats or carbohydrates. Upon reverting to the customary higher protein intake in the following 5 weeks, energy requirements return to baseline levels, thus preventing weight gain. We also show that fasting plasma FGF21 levels increase during protein restriction. Proteomic analysis of human white adipose tissue and in FGF21-knockout mice reveal alterations in key compone

SUBMITTER: Nicolaisen TS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11946896 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature