IThere is argument about the ability of high protein diets to be associated with weight loss because they are high in protein. Isocaloric diets that are high in carbohydrate or high in protein are argued to convey the same amount of weight loss
In this article the authors examine this proposition with reference to a literature review and to the laws of thermodynamics. They calculate the efficiency of diets with the same calorie content but with different components of carbohydrate, fat, and protein, and therefore their effective calorie content. This is done with reference to their thermic effects (thermogenesis), which are low for carbohydrates, moderate for fats, and high for proteins.