Aminostatic hypothesis

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In 1956, Mellinkoff proposed the aminostatic hypothesis, stimulated by the observation that when normal individuals ingest protein, appetite diminishes as the serum amino acid concentration rises and vice versa. He believed this was due to a satiety centre in the brain, sensitive to serum amino acids levels, that caused a suppression of hunger once the serum levels reached a certain point.

Experimental Evidence

-experimental evidence has agreed with the aminostatic hypothesis

-they have found that high protein diets act on satiety and thermogenesis

Use as a method of weight loss

Obesity is everywhere. Around 33% of American adults and 17% of children are obese. In the UK, the statistics are not looking much brighter with 25% of adults and 10% of children showing signs of obesity. It has been proposed in the UK that 60% of men, 50% of women and 25% of children will become obese by 2050 if no preventative measures are taken. This growing prevalence of obesity needs a solution. Many hypotheses regarding different weight loss diets have been proposed. So how can the aminostatic hypothesis be used for treatment? Perhaps a high protein diet is the answer.

• What does the diet consist of? Benefits of high protein diet with supporting evidence (2,3,7,8,10). Animal/veg protein best?

Limitations

-are there any downsides to a high protein diet?

-appetite is a feeling so different participants in experiments may report it differently and so results may not be completely accurate

• Consequent effects on renal function. Usually low carb diet is needed along with HP diet to gain full beneficial effects (subjects more satisfied).