What effect does an extremely high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet typically have on appetite?

An extremely high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet is known to suppress appetite, primarily due to the increased feeling of satiety that protein provides. Protein has a higher thermic effect than carbohydrates and fats, meaning that the body burns more calories digesting protein than it does with other macronutrients. Additionally, protein consumption has been associated with the release of certain hormones like peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which play a role in making individuals feel full and satisfied after eating.

These factors contribute to a reduced overall caloric intake and can lead to weight loss, as individuals on such diets may consume fewer calories without intentionally restricting their food intake. This appetite-suppressing effect is a key reason why high-protein diets are often utilized in weight management strategies.

Other options, mentioning increased appetite or cravings, do not align with the physiological responses associated with high-protein intake; rather, these responses are typically contradictory to the well-documented findings surrounding protein's role in satiety.