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A man's waist
Men can lose weight effectively and safely on a high protein diet.
Photo by: iStockphoto

CSIRO study: high protein diet better for waist loss in men

Reference: 07/244
A new CSIRO study has found that overweight and obese men can lose weight effectively and safely on a high protein diet.
6 December 2007

Presenting the results of the study today at the Nutrition Society Conference in Auckland, NZ, CSIRO dietitian Dr Manny Noakes said that the study suggests it is easier than previously thought for men to take action to lose weight.

The study compared a diet high in protein, red meat and fibre with one high in carbohydrate and fibre, finding that both diets led to similar weight losses, but the high protein diet was more effective at reducing abdominal fat levels.

“Abdominal fat is a key risk factor for men for a range of diseases including colorectal and other cancers,” Dr Noakes said.

“The results also show that a range of indicators of bowel, kidney and bone health showed no difference between the high protein diet and the high carbohydrate diet.

“Abdominal fat is a key risk factor for men for a range of diseases including colorectal and other cancers,”
Dr Noakes said.

“For weight loss, red meat and other protein sources should be eaten as part of a balanced eating plan.”

The study was initiated by CSIRO as part of the Preventative Health National Research Flagship and partly financially supported by Meat and Livestock Australia. Over 100 overweight and obese men participated in the study.

National Research Flagships

CSIRO initiated the National Research Flagships to provide science-based solutions in response to Australia’s major research challenges and opportunities. The nine Flagships form multidisciplinary teams with industry and the research community to deliver impact and benefits for Australia.

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Fast facts

  • Over 100 overweight and obese men participated in the study
  • The study compared a diet high in protein, red meat and fibre with one high in carbohydrate and fibre, finding that both diets led to similar weight losses, but the high protein diet was more effective at reducing abdominal fat levels
  • The results also show that a range of indicators of bowel, kidney and bone health showed no difference between the high protein diet and the high carbohydrate diet

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Dr Manny Noakes
Research Scientist
CSIRO Food and Nutritional Sciences
Phone: 61 8 8303 8827 
Fax: 61 8 8303 8899 

media Contact

Mr Tom McGinness
Communication Manager
National Research Flagships
Phone: 61 2 9490 5466 
Alt Phone: 61 419 419 210 
Fax: 61 2 9490 8207 

CSIRO Executive Offices
Riverside Corporate Park
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Australia
PO Box 93
North Ryde NSW 1670
Australia
Phone: 61 2 9490 8877 
Fax: 61 2 9490 8260