Satiating Effect of High Protein Diets on Resistance-Trained Individuals in Energy Deficit

Short-term energy deficit strategies are practiced by weight class and physique athletes, often involving high protein intakes to maximize satiety and maintain lean mass despite a paucity of research. This study compared the satiating effect of two protein diets on resistance-trained individuals during short-term energy deficit. Following ethical approval, 16 participants (age: 28 ± 2 years; height: 1.72 ± 0.03 m; body-mass: 88.83 ± 5.54 kg; body-fat: 21.85 ± 1.82%) were randomly assigned to 7-days moderate (PRO(MOD): 1.8 g·kg(−1)·d(−1)) or high protein (PRO(HIGH): 2.9 g·kg(−1)·d(−1)) matched calorie-deficit diets in a cross-over design. Daily satiety responses were recorded throughout interventions. Pre-post diet, plasma ghrelin and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), and satiety ratings were assessed in response to a protein-rich meal. Only perceived satisfaction was significantly greater following PRO(HIGH) (67.29 ± 4.28 v 58.96 ± 4.51 mm, p = 0.04). Perceived cravings increased following PRO(MOD) only (46.25 ± 4.96 to 57.60 ± 4.41 mm, p = 0.01). Absolute ghrelin concentration significantly reduced post-meal following PRO(MOD) (972.8 ± 130.4 to 613.6 ± 114.3 pg·mL(−1); p = 0.003), remaining lower than PRO(HIGH) at 2 h (−0.40 ± 0.06 v −0.26 ± 0.06 pg·mL(−1) normalized relative change; p = 0.015). Absolute PYY concentration increased to a similar extent post-meal (PRO(MOD): 84.9 ± 8.9 to 147.1 ± 11.9 pg·mL(−1), PRO(HIGH): 100.6 ± 9.5 to 143.3 ± 12.0 pg·mL(−1); p < 0.001), but expressed as relative change difference was significantly greater for PRO(MOD) at 2 h (+0.39 ± 0.20 pg·mL(−1) v −0.28 ± 0.12 pg·mL(−1); p = 0.001). Perceived hunger, fullness and satisfaction post-meal were comparable between diets (p > 0.05). However, desire to eat remained significantly blunted for PRO(MOD) (p = 0.048). PRO(HIGH) does not confer additional satiating benefits in resistance-trained individuals during short-term energy deficit. Ghrelin and PYY responses to a test-meal support the contention that satiety was maintained following PRO(MOD), although athletes experiencing negative symptoms (i.e., cravings) may benefit from protein-rich meals as opposed to over-consumption of protein.