Dietary protein, weight loss, and weight maintenance (Westerterp-Plantenga et al. 2009)

Research paper

Westerterp-Plantenga MS, Nieuwenhuizen A, Tomé D, Soenen S, Westerterp KR. Dietary protein, weight loss, and weight maintenance. Annual Review of Nutrition. 2009;29:21-41. doi:10.1146/annurev-nutr-080508-141056

Why we cite it

Comprehensive review of dietary protein's role in weight loss and weight maintenance, identifying four distinct mechanisms (satiety, thermogenesis, energy efficiency, body composition). Notably distinguishes "complete" from "incomplete" proteins in their metabolic effects and addresses the common concern about protein and bone health — finding no adverse effects and even protective benefits. Published in Annual Review of Nutrition, a high-impact review journal.