They were believed to be beneficial for our figure: in fact, according to a new Australian study, protein drinks lead to weight gain. Explanations.

On Instagram, we only see them: protein drinks are more fashionable than ever! Praised by the stars of the fitness, they promise us a lasting weight loss as well as a welcome support in the gym. By increasing our daily protein intake, they are believed to increase our muscle mass, hence the number of calories we burn while at rest – this is “basal metabolism”.

Except that, according to a new study from the University of Sydney (Australia), protein shakes could actually … make us fat!

Small explanation: these drinks (sold at a high price) are usually fortified with BCAA, a protein made up of a chain of amino acids – leucine, isoleucine and valine. Australian researchers found that excessive consumption of BCAAs (combined with a diet low in carbohydrates and fat) would lead to food cravings and therefore weight gain.

Are protein drinks responsible for food cravings?
The reason ? BCAA disrupts the action of tryptophan, an amino acid which is partly responsible for the secretion of serotonin – the famous “happiness hormone”. An excessive intake of BCAAs would lead, in the long term, to a deficit in serotonin, and therefore to dangerous eating behaviors.

“The mice fed with BCAAs had more appetite and consumed on average 2 times more calories than the others. This feeding behavior leads to overweight and obesity, therefore to a reduced life expectancy” explain the Australian researchers. , who published their work in the journal Nature Metabolism.

The bottom line: to lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way, it is better to seek professional advice … and favor natural proteins!