Study: Postmenopausal Women Lost Modest Weight After Replacing Some Animal Protein with Plant Sources

A study published in the journal Menopause found that postmenopausal women lost weight after substituting animal protein with plant sources such as beans, lentils, soy products, and whole grains while keeping total protein intake unchanged. GB News reported that participants lost approximately one kilogram for every daily reduction of 16.2 grams of animal protein paired with an increase of 12.7 grams from plant sources.

The trial ran for 12 weeks and relied on self-reported food consumption.

Dr Hana Kahleova, director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and the study's senior author, stated that clinicians should consider both the amount and the source of protein. She added that women do not necessarily need to increase total protein intake and that replacing animal protein with plant protein may support a healthy body weight along with additional cardiometabolic benefits.

Dr Melissa Shoemaker, a spokesman for The Obesity Society, said complete elimination of animal proteins is unnecessary.

She recommended gradually increasing plant-based proteins while reducing animal proteins, refined carbohydrates, and foods high in saturated fats. Shoemaker also noted that resistance exercise remains equally important for addressing muscle loss during menopause and that dietary changes must be sustainable because obesity is a chronic condition.