Health experts have issued a warning over signs people may experience that suggest they’re not getting enough protein. The late Dr Michael Mosley founded the Fast 800 diet plan – which continues to help people lose weight.
Following his tragic passing last year, his team of experts has taken over the reins, managing the Fast 800 website and social media. In a recent Instagram post, they stressed the significance of consuming sufficient protein.
Part of the social media update’s caption reads: “Protein is an essential macronutrient, needed for maintaining bone and muscle health, fuelling your metabolism and reducing your risk of chronic health issues like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.”
The team pointed to a Fast 800 blog post that outlines five signs of inadequate protein intake. Topping the list is frequent hunger, as “protein increases satiety and decreases hunger, helping you stay full between meals”.
According to the article, protein consumption leads to a decrease in the hunger hormone ghrelin. Without enough protein, hunger and the urge to eat increase, potentially resulting in overeating and weight gain as the body tries to replenish protein stores.
Fatigue and mood swings are another red flag, as a lack of protein can reduce energy intake while increasing energy expenditure. And the third warning sign appears on the hands and feet – weak nails.
It can also extend to weak hair and skin, as these parts of the body are “made up of the proteins collagen, keratin and elastin, so if you’re not getting enough protein in your diet, you could see your skin, nails and hair suffer”.
The article also lists loss of muscle mass and increased sugar cravings as the fourth and fifth signs. If the body doesn’t receive enough dietary protein, it starts to extract it from muscles to preserve more vital tissue – and since protein helps to “slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream, when we don’t eat enough our blood sugar will begin rising and falling at abnormal rates.
“The result is your body craving quick energy from sugar to try and stabilise your levels again, leading to a vicious cycle.”