What is it about?
Obesity may, in part, be a result of overeating diets low in protein to achieve a desired protein intake and cats, as carnivores, may be particularly prone to this phenomenon. The primary objective of this study was to test whether cats ate excess of moderate protein diets, and investigated if the relative proportions of carbohydrate and fat might also influence the amount consumed and any change in body weight.
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Why is it important?
This well-constructed study utilising six diets designed to address specific aspects of dietary protein and carbohydrate on intake provided robust evidence inconsistent with one explanation for obesity suggested as relevant to cats. To the contrary, cats fed diets with moderate protein lost weight whilst cats fed high protein diets increased intake but did return to baseline body weights within 28 days.
Perspectives
This study is part of a programme of work built through the commitment and collaboration of a group of PIs all passionate about understanding the role of macronutrient composition on healthy weight management in cats. This work provides the context for other associated studies that will be communicated and hopefully also provides insights for other researchers looking to understand how diet composition can impact intake and body weight when offered excess diet.
Dr David Allaway
Mars Inc
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Impact of dietary macronutrient profile on feline body weight is not consistent with the protein leverage hypothesis, British Journal Of Nutrition, October 2018, Cambridge University Press,
DOI: 10.1017/s000711451800257x.
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