Authors
  Johnston CS.  Tjonn SL.  Swan PD.
Institution
  Department of Nutrition, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA.
  [log in to unmask]
Title
  High-protein, low-fat diets are effective for weight loss and favorably
  alter biomarkers in healthy adults.
Source
  Journal of Nutrition.  134(3):586-91, 2004 Mar.
Abstract
  Although popular and effective for weight loss, low-carbohydrate,
  high-protein, high-fat (Atkins) diets have been associated with adverse
  changes in blood and renal biomarkers. High-protein diets low in fat may
  represent an equally appealing diet plan but promote a more healthful
  weight loss. Healthy adults (n = 20) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2
  low-fat (<30% energy), energy-restricted groups: high-protein (30% energy)
  or high-carbohydrate (60% energy); 24-h intakes were strictly controlled
  during the 6-wk trial. One subject from each group did not complete the
  trial due to out-of-state travel; two subjects in the high-carbohydrate
  group withdrew from the trial due to extreme hunger. Body composition and
  metabolic indices were assessed pre- and post-trial. Both diets were
  equally effective at reducing body weight (-6%, P < 0.05) and fat mass (-9
  to -11%, P < 0.05); however, subjects consuming the high-protein diet
  reported more satisfaction and less hunger in mo 1 of the trial. Both
  diets significantly lowered total cholesterol (-10 to -12%), insulin
  (-25%), and uric acid (-22 to -30%) concentrations in blood from fasting
  subjects. Urinary calcium excretion increased 42% in subjects consuming
  the high-protein diet, mirroring the 50% increase in dietary calcium with
  consumption of this diet; thus, apparent calcium balance was not adversely
  affected. Creatinine clearance was not altered by diet treatments, and
  nitrogen balance was more positive in subjects consuming the high-protein
  diet vs. the high-carbohydrate diet (3.9 +/- 1.4 and 0.7 +/- 1.7 g N/d,
  respectively, P < 0.05). Thus, low-fat, energy-restricted diets of varying
  protein content (15 or 30% energy) promoted healthful weight loss, but
  diet satisfaction was greater in those consuming the high-protein diet.

http://www.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/134/3/586