Women who have gone through menopause may find an overlooked strategy for shedding excess weight, according to newly published research.
The study revealed that substituting meat and dairy proteins with plant-based alternatives such as beans, lentils, and soy products led to meaningful weight reduction in participants.
Crucially, the women achieved these results without altering their overall protein consumption.
The investigation, published in the journal Menopause, suggests that the origin of dietary protein matters considerably more than the quantity consumed.
Switching from meat to legumes could lead to significant weight loss
|
GETTY
Researchers found that those who made the switch to legumes and whole grains experienced significant improvements in body weight.
The research quantified the relationship between protein source and weight change with notable precision.
For every daily reduction of 16.2 grams of animal protein combined with an increase of 12.7 grams from plant sources, participants lost approximately one kilogram.
Dr Hana Kahleova, director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and the study’s senior author, explained the implications for medical practitioners.
“Our findings suggest that clinicians should consider not only how much protein postmenopausal women consume but also where that protein comes from,” she told Medscape Medical News.
“Women don’t necessarily need to increase total protein intake. Rather, replacing animal protein with plant protein from foods such as beans, lentils, soy foods, and whole grains may help support a healthy body weight while providing additional cardiometabolic benefits.”
Scientists believe several factors may explain why plant proteins appear more beneficial for weight management.
Foods rich in plant protein typically contain fewer calories per gram whilst providing greater amounts of dietary fibre, which helps people feel fuller for longer.
The amino acid composition of plant foods also differs markedly from animal sources, with reduced methionine intake linked to improved fat burning and metabolic function.
However, the research carries certain limitations that warrant consideration.
Participants self-reported their food consumption, which can introduce inaccuracies.
The trial lasted just 12 weeks, making it difficult to determine whether such weight loss would persist over extended periods.
Medical experts have welcomed the findings whilst urging a measured approach to implementation.
Dr Melissa Shoemaker, a spokesman for The Obesity Society, emphasised that adopting plant-based eating need not be extreme.
“We don’t have to completely cut out animal proteins but rather try to increase plant-based proteins while gradually reducing animal proteins, refined carbohydrates, and foods high in saturated fats to get health benefits,” she said.
Beans and lentils make excellent sources of plant-based protein
|
GETTY
She stressed that resistance exercise remains equally vital as protein intake when combating muscle loss during the menopausal transition.
Given that obesity constitutes a chronic condition, any dietary modifications must prove sustainable over the long term, Dr Shoemaker added.