Macro partitioning
Maintaining a higher proportional energy intake from protein (by limiting discretionary foods) is associated with lower total energy intake and better 12-month weight loss maintenance, whereas diluting protein with high fat/carbohydrate leads to increased energy intake and weight regain via the protein leverage mechanism.
To maintain weight loss, prioritize foods that keep your protein percentage high relative to fats and carbs. Avoid 'discretionary' foods (sweets, processed snacks) which dilute protein concentration and trigger overeating. You don't necessarily need to increase total protein grams, but you must increase its proportion in your diet by reducing low-protein energy sources.
Response surfaces revealed that lower proportional energy from protein, diluted by high fat and/or carbohydrate, was associated with higher total energy intake and greater 12- month increases in body weight, WHtR, and HHtR... Consumption of discretionary food, not other food sources, increased energy intake by reducing proportional energy from protein.
Why this rating
Large prospective cohort (n=1518) with rigorous statistical modeling (nutritional geometry), though observational design limits causal inference.
Source
Dietary Macronutrient Composition and Protein Concentration for Weight Loss Maintenance
Hanyue Zhang et al. · Obesity · 2025
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