Protein-Rich Breakfast Curbs Appetite, Overeating

ATLANTAEating high-protein breakfasts curbed hunger throughout the morning, compared with a low-protein breakfast or skipping breakfast, in women ages 18 to 55 years, according to new research presented at Obesity Societys Obesity Week, Nov. 11-16.

Researchers with Biofortis Clinical Research and the University of Missouri gave participants either high-protein or low-protein breakfast meals containing approximately 300 calories and similar quantities of fat and fiber. The protein-rich breakfastsausage- and egg-based breakfast bowlscontained 30 to 39 grams of protein. The participants completed questionnaires to rate aspects of appetitesuch as hunger, fullness, and desire to eatbefore breakfast and at 30-minute intervals between breakfast and lunch. 

Study participants had improved appetite ratingslower hunger, more fullness, less desire to eatthroughout the morning after eating each protein-rich breakfast, and also ate fewer calories at lunch, compared with the low-protein breakfast and breakfast skipping.

Eating a breakfast rich in protein significantly improves appetite control and may help women to avoid overeating later in the day," said Kevin C. Maki, principal investigator of the study and research scientist, Biofortis Clinical Research.