Whey protein hydrolysates alleviated weight gain and improved muscle in middle-aged obese mice induced by a high-fat diet

Whey protein (WP) and whey protein hydrolysates (WPH) may have the potency to promote weight loss, preserve muscle and improve gut microbiota composition. The present study explored the effect of WPH vs WP on weight management in obese middle-aged mice in the content of changes in fat mass, muscle mass and gut microbiota composition. The present results showed that WPH significantly reduced energy intake, attenuated weight gain and improved blood lipids and glucose. Moreover, WPH reduced ectopic fat deposition and enhanced antioxidant capacity in muscle, but did not significantly affect muscle mass. WPH failed to reverse the microbial diversity reduction caused by a high-fat diet, but increased Akkermansia and Clostridium XVIII abundances and decreased Alistipes abundance. In conclusion, WPH is expected to have good prospects in weight management in middle age.