- With Mayo Clinic nutritionist
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
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Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
As a specialty editor for the Food & Nutrition Center, Katherine Zeratsky helps you sort through the facts and figures, the fads and the hype to learn more about nutrition and diet.
A Marinette, Wis., native, she is certified in dietetics by the state of Minnesota and the American Dietetic Association. She has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999.
She is active in nutrition-related curriculum and course development in pediatrics at Mayo Clinic Rochester and nutrition education related to the physiology and recommended intakes for premature infants.
Other areas of interest include breast milk and formula safety, neonatal feeding, and nutrition for breast-feeding mothers.
She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, served a dietetic internship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and worked as a registered dietitian and health risk counselor at ThedaCare of Appleton, Wis., before joining the Mayo Clinic staff.
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Question
Protein shakes: Do they increase weight loss?
I'm trying to lose weight. I've reduced my calorie intake and increased my activity level. Should I try adding protein shakes to my diet to increase weight loss?
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Manufacturers of protein shakes may claim that their products decrease body fat or promote weight loss. But there is no evidence that this is true.
Most protein shake mixes and some pre-made shakes get their protein from soy. Others may use a dairy or egg base. Although protein shakes generally aren't harmful, you shouldn't expect them to take the weight off for you. Remember, protein contains calories. So consuming too much protein can actually make losing weight more difficult.
Weight loss is achieved by controlling your calorie intake and increasing the number of calories you burn through physical activity. So you have already made two very positive changes.
Eating a source of protein as part of a meal or snack is a good idea. You'll likely feel satisfied longer, which means you're likely to consume fewer calories overall. Occasionally having a protein shake with added vitamins and minerals as a meal supplement is better than skipping a meal. However, these types of shakes — even if the labels shows added nutrients — do not replace all of the benefits of whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
The average adult needs 46 to 56 grams of protein a day; however, this number varies depending on your body weight and overall health. As long as you're eating a healthy, balanced diet, adding extra protein — such as in the form of protein shakes — isn't necessary.
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