ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

Which effect is greater following a high-protein meal compared to high-carbohydrate or high-fat meals?

1. Caloric burn

2. Glycemic response

3. Thermic effect of food

4. Fat storage

The correct answer is: Thermic effect of food

The thermic effect of food refers to the increase in metabolic rate that occurs after the ingestion of food, as the body expends energy to digest, absorb, and process the nutrients. Protein has a higher thermic effect compared to carbohydrates and fats due to its more complex structure and the additional energy required for its metabolism. When a high-protein meal is consumed, the body must work harder to break down amino acids, which involves greater energy expenditure. This means that it results in a higher caloric burn during the digestive process when compared to meals rich in carbohydrates or fats. This significant energy expenditure linked to protein digestion highlights why the thermic effect of food is greater following high-protein meals. In contrast, while high-carbohydrate meals may elicit a glycemic response, or high-fat meals can contribute to fat storage, these effects do not surpass the energy expenditure associated with metabolizing protein. Therefore, focusing on the thermic effect provides a clear understanding of how high-protein meals can influence caloric burn more than the other macronutrient classes.