Obesity and Weight Management

Biography

Biography: Robert Wildman

Abstract

Over the past few decades several nutritional platforms have been popularized to support healthy weight loss and maintenance. Manipulations in the level of calories along with manipulations in fat and/or carbohydrate energy (total and percent) were and still are prominent in various programs. Along the way one of the most important macronutrients emerged in the form of protein and as some interesting benefits with regard to weight loss and body leaning were revealed. Historically, protein has long been recommended in a more restricted sense and as a more minor contributor of daily calories often positioned as problematic if “too much” is consumed. However, today protein is recognized for its unique and strategic applications to weight control. For instance, protein is the most thermogenic energy nutrient leading to more calories expended in response to a meal and potentially daily. Plus, protein is more satiating than carbohydrate and fat potentially leading to food volume and choice control benefits. Further still research suggests that the base protein recommendations (e.g. RDA) are elevated during weight reduction and body leaning. Based on the heightened awareness of the importance of protein, many health care practitioners, nutritionists and personal trainers are wanting more guidance for daily protein targets and distribution along with a better understanding of differences between protein types. In this presentation the benefits of different protein types along with daily targets and distribution will be presented based on the most current, research-based information