Branched-Chain Amino Acids Reduce Obesity Risk

By Steve Blechman and Thomas Fahey, EdD

The branched-amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine are major layers in metabolism that affect appetite, metabolic rate and fuel use during exercise. A study from the University of North Carolina showed that people consuming larger amounts of branched-amino acids in their diets reduced their risk of obesity by 3 to 30 percent, depending upon their ethnicity and where they lived. Based on the results of this study, we can infer that consuming more branched-chain amino acids either in the diet or supplements might promote weight control and prevent obesity.

Journal of Nutrition, 141: 249,254,2011. Fitness RX Men. May 2011, Page 26