In this study, cats fed the higher-protein
diet lost more body fat while reducing their
loss of lean body mass by 50%. These findings
are consistent with those reported in
other species undergoing weight loss.
Likewise, the composition of weight loss in
cats fed the HP diet in this study was similar
to that reported for another group of cats
fed a similar protein level for weight loss.
Composition of weight loss can be influenced
by rate of weight loss as well as nutrient
composition of the diet
In this study,
average energy intake, total weight loss, and
rate of weight loss were constant between treatment groups to achieve a targeted rate
of loss of 1% initial body weight per week.
More rapid weight loss may be associated
with an increased loss of lean body mass.
Cats lost twice as much lean body mass (8%
vs 19%) when the rate of weight loss was
increased from approximately 1% to 1.3%
of body weight per week.
On the other
hand, clients may become discouraged if
weight loss is so slow as not to be noticeable.
Therefore, weight loss and protection
of lean body mass may best be achieved in
cats losing weight at a rate of approximately
1% of body weight per week.