The protein trend is taking over TikTok, but it has a flip side

In Sweden, videos with the hashtag “highprotein” received millions of views on TikTok last month, according to TV4. After five. But what does this trend really mean – and do we really need as much protein as it claims?

The so-called high protein trend has had a big impact in Sweden recently. The trend is to obtain large amounts of protein through various recipes, which are claimed to have many health benefits.

“Focusing on the wrong things”

Many of those praising this trend on social media believe that a high protein intake can help a person lose body fat and build muscle. The latter is probably due to the fact that muscle is primarily made up of protein – but the truth is that eating high amounts of protein does not automatically build muscle. according to Swedish Food Agency It can instead be used as an energy source, while excess energy is “stored in body fat reserves.”

Nutritionist Malin Bjorklund believes that the focus on protein at the present time is unnecessary in many cases:

“The vast majority of people meet their protein needs without even trying, so I would say you have to focus on the wrong things,” she says in After fem. “We don't really see any issues with protein intake overall, but there are other focus areas we need to focus on.”

How should you think if you plan to start exercising more?

In an example based on the recommended diet for a sedentary 65-pound person about to start beginner-level training, Bjorklund says an extra slice of cheese for breakfast and a glass of milk for dinner could be enough. To reach a reasonable daily protein intake – in other words, you don't need to follow a completely new diet:

“When you look at it from that perspective, it's not that difficult to meet the need,” she says. “There's not really any big need to add any kind of supplements or anything, but you usually get there with regular food.”

Finally, Bjorklund points out that overeating protein can have a drawback: The risk is that you eat less of other things the body needs, for example carbohydrates.