Doctor suggests protein beneficial to older dieters
A clinical trial into the effects of eating different food groups when dieting has shown that consuming more protein can help protect against a possible reduction in muscle mass, Dr Mina Mojtahedi, a researcher on the project, has said.Dr Mojtahedi explained that the study could be used in the future to help crease weight loss programmes suited to more mature women, which may not affect their muscle mass.
She said: "The goal of weight loss is to lose fat mass, however muscle loss often also occurs - so optimal weight loss regimens attempt to minimise the loss of muscle."
The importance of protein may be greater for the older generation who are more prone to muscle loss, she suggested.
Muscle mass can also be preserved by combining resistance work with aerobic exercise.
Workouts of moderate intensity, such as walking or swimming can be beneficial alongside weight lifting with small weights, she said.
