Question

Lawrence spoke with a friend about his efforts to lose weight safely and permanently.

The friend said that she had recently followed a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet for 4
weeks and lost 10 pounds. Why does a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet often
promote rapid initial weight loss? (Check all that apply.)

Answer 1

Reduced water weight: Carbohydrates hold onto water molecules, and when carbohydrate intake is reduced, the body excretes excess water, which can cause a rapid drop in weight.
Reduced calorie intake: Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets often lead to reduced calorie intake, which can result in weight loss.
Increased satiety: Protein is more satiating than carbohydrates, so people may feel fuller for longer periods of time and consume fewer calories overall.
Increased thermic effect of food: Protein has a higher thermic effect than carbohydrates, meaning that the body burns more calories digesting and metabolizing protein than it does carbohydrates. This increased calorie burn can result in weight loss.
So, the correct options are:
Reduced water weight
Reduced calorie intake
Increased satiety
Increased thermic effect of food