Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar has questioned the growing obsession with protein-rich diets, calling it a weight-loss myth that mainly benefits the health and wellness industry rather than consumers.

In an interview with The Hindu, Diwekar said there is little scientific basis for the widespread fear of protein deficiency among the urban and middle-class population. She argued that people who have access to basic necessities such as clothing, education and technology are unlikely to be protein-deficient. According to her, true protein deficiency is more common among people living below the poverty line, who lack access to adequate nutrition overall.

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Diwekar also warned that spending heavily on protein powders, bars and supplements is often a waste of money and does not necessarily help reduce body fat. She said excessive protein intake can instead cause digestive problems, including acidity, bloating and constipation. Emphasising moderation, she noted that people who eat regular, home-cooked meals are generally not lacking in protein and should focus on maintaining a balanced diet.

She further described the protein craze as a smart marketing tactic used by diet and wellness companies. By promoting high-protein consumption, she said, the industry creates demand for additional products such as fibre supplements, prebiotics and probiotics to address the gut issues caused by protein overconsumption.

Diwekar advised people to look at the protein trend critically and prioritise a diverse, wholesome diet based on real foods, rather than relying on expensive supplements that may serve commercial interests more than long-term health. 

#With inputs from NDTV