#313 - AMA #62: Protein’s impact on appetite and weight management, and uric acid's link to disease and how to manage levels

The Peter Attia Drive

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In this “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode, Peter dives into two important health topics: uric acid and protein, examining them from unique perspectives. For uric acid, he explores its metabolic role and connection to various diseases, focusing on the potential causal link with cardiovascular disease. He also discusses factors influencing uric acid levels, such as diet, genetics, and lifestyle, providing practical tips for effective management. Shifting to protein, Peter delves into its role in appetite and weight management, the consequences of insufficient protein, and the “protein leverage hypothesis” linking protein deficiency to obesity. He covers optimal protein intake and its impact on energy expenditure, and he compares the satiety effects of solid versus liquid protein. Finally, Peter shares his strategy for incorporating protein into a comprehensive weight management plan.

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We discuss:

• Overview of episode topics (and an important discussion on fanny packs) [2:00];
• Understanding uric acid: its role in metabolic processes, its association with gout and kidney stones, its impact on blood pressure, and more [6:00];
• Non-modifiable factors that influence uric acid levels [11:00];
• Modifiable factors that influence uric acid levels [14:15];
• Association between high uric acid levels and cardiovascular disease [20:00];
• Evidence suggesting a causal link between high uric acid levels and cardiovascular disease [24:00];
• Inconclusive evidence about the cardiovascular benefits of lowering uric acid pharmacologically [28:15];
• Exploring the potential risks of low uric acid levels in neurodegenerative diseases [37:00];
• Managing uric acid levels: dietary interventions and pharmacological approaches [42:00];
• The impact of protein on appetite and weight management [44:00];
• The consequences of insufficient protein on eating behaviors and satiety [52:15];
• The relationship between protein deficiency and obesity: exploring the “protein leverage hypothesis” [57:15];
• The impact of protein intake on energy expenditure [1:02:15];
• Determining optimal protein intake to avoid deficiency and support health [1:05:45];
• The role of different amino acids and protein sources in promoting satiety [1:08:15];
• Comparing the satiety effects of solid vs. liquid protein sources [1:10:30];
• Peter’s framework for incorporating protein intake into a strategy for controlling body weight [1:12:00]; and
• More.

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