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Suggest Protein Supplements For Weight Loss

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Posted on Thu, 10 Dec 2015
Question: Hi I am 35 years of male. My statistics are : Weight: 81 Kg, Height: 178 cm.
My sugar levels are around 115 fasting. Also the LDL cholestrol is on the higher side and HDL is on the lower side.
During my last body check up i was advised to loose about 6 Kg.
I have recently started on a exercise schedule which includes running and walking. However it has not had any effect - also because i have not very regular. I have now started gym exercises. My question is whether along with doing basic gym excerices i should take some Protein supplements that will support me.
(a) Please suggest what type of Protein supplements can be taken. Brands/Specifications will help. In what quantities?
(b) Are there any side effects?
(c) Though i have reduced fat/oil intake, my objective is too loose the belly fat which has been deposited over a long period of time due to poor diet control and lack of exercise.

Regards,
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
no supplements required

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

for this kind of exercise there is absolutely no need for supplementation. Daily exercise (even a mild one, like fast walking) will benefit you in many ways. Your blood sugar would definitely get better and your body weight might be reduced, provided that you watch your diet as well.

So to answer your questions:
- there is no need for supplements
- taking supplements when not needed, might get your kidneys under heavy load
- the side effects are mostly damage/injury to the renal tubules. Excess protein might precipitate and cause structural damage to the tubules.
- reducing caloric intake and increasing your physical activity will help you with your body weight and will help with the unfavorable cholesterol values (low HDL, high LDL). Exercise increases HDL and reduces LDL.

Finally, since your fasting blood sugar is high, you should do an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and perhaps also a glucosylated hemoglobin measurement. The OGTT will help to detect a potentially "hidden" diabetes mellitus, which would make a big difference in medical treatment.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 days later)
Thank you Doc for the advice.

I was considering plain Whey protein powder in limited quantity to supplement the energy needs as i am cutting down on carbs intake heavily.

Is that advisable? If yes, do you have any suggestion on the ingredients?

Regards,
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
a healthy diet should suffice

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!

I would insist on a natural healthy diet which consists of eating the right amount of food (that's very important if you want to loose weight) and the right type of food (equally important to keep your body healthy).
Regarding the type of food, I can give you some basic "guidelines". Let's start from meat. Red meat can be chosen once every 7-10 days. You can eat chicken 3-4 meals/week. You can eat fish whenever you like! The more, the better for your health. Try to avoid fried food, avoid excess fat like the visible portion of fat on meat, the skin, etc and all kinds of processed food. Eat a lot of vegetables (every day and with every meal). Eat fruit. Avoid sweats, pies, too much bread, whole milk products. Prefer low fat products and avoid sugar.

Supplemental protein won't help that much with energy. The body's "currency" for energy is carbohydrates. When carbohydrates are lacking the body converts protein and lipids to carbohydrates.

So in conclusion, I don't see any need for supplements. I would advise you to maintain a healthy diet and physical activity. They will help you to loose weight and manage your blood sugar better. There is no need to risk any side effects without significant expected benefit.

Kind Regards!
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

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Suggest Protein Supplements For Weight Loss

Brief Answer: no supplements required Detailed Answer: Hello, for this kind of exercise there is absolutely no need for supplementation. Daily exercise (even a mild one, like fast walking) will benefit you in many ways. Your blood sugar would definitely get better and your body weight might be reduced, provided that you watch your diet as well. So to answer your questions: - there is no need for supplements - taking supplements when not needed, might get your kidneys under heavy load - the side effects are mostly damage/injury to the renal tubules. Excess protein might precipitate and cause structural damage to the tubules. - reducing caloric intake and increasing your physical activity will help you with your body weight and will help with the unfavorable cholesterol values (low HDL, high LDL). Exercise increases HDL and reduces LDL. Finally, since your fasting blood sugar is high, you should do an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and perhaps also a glucosylated hemoglobin measurement. The OGTT will help to detect a potentially "hidden" diabetes mellitus, which would make a big difference in medical treatment. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!