Low Amino Acid Diet May Boost Calorie Burning, Study Suggests

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have found that reducing two dietary amino acids—methionine and cysteine—can significantly increase calorie burning in mice. The study, published in eLife, shows that this dietary change triggered thermogenesis, the body’s heat-producing process, leading to weight loss without changes in food intake or physical activity.

During the seven-day experiment, mice on a diet low in these amino acids burned about 20% more energy than those on a standard diet. Surprisingly, the weight loss effect was comparable to living in near-freezing conditions. Researchers discovered that the extra calorie burning occurred in beige fat, a type of fat located beneath the skin that becomes active during cold exposure.

Methionine and cysteine are abundant in animal-based foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy but occur in lower amounts in plant-based foods. While the findings are promising, scientists emphasize that the results are based on animal studies and require further research in humans.

06-03-2026