Protein requirement in obesity.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The combined obesity and ageing pandemic require action to avoid a total health system infarct. Obesity is largely challenged with caloric restriction and endurance exercise, likely to be assisted by drugs. The older adults with the highest obesity levels may face extreme loss of muscle mass and increased risk of sarcopenic obesity.Within this context the question of what is the protein requirement is extremely urgent.

RECENT FINDINGS: While the topic is essential, no trials have directly assessed protein requirements for obesity. Therefore, we will have to deal with more indirect evidence. Several systematic reviews have appeared for obesity treatment involving protein and a few randomized controlled trials during weight loss are worth mentioning considering the amount of protein needed, especially with increasing age.

SUMMARY: Protein requirements are hard to derive for obesity defined by BMI over 30 perse. During weight loss the rebuilding of the body is likely to need at least 1.2 g/kg body weight/d with a maximum weight of BMI 30, especially in the aged. Obesity might increase protein requirements, however being obese with a healthy and active lifestyle might result in normal protein requirements.