What Is a Protein Diet Called?

January 11, 2026 •

5 min read

While protein is a macronutrient vital for building cells, repairing tissues, and creating enzymes, a diet focused on high protein intake isn't called by one single name. Instead, it falls under the broad term 'high-protein diet' and can refer to various specific eating plans, each with its own set of rules regarding other macronutrients like carbohydrates and fats.

Quick Summary

There is no single term for a protein diet; it is generally called a high-protein diet. Specific named eating plans like the Atkins, Dukan, and ketogenic diets are prominent examples of this dietary approach.

Key Points

No Single Name: There is no one official name for a protein diet; the term generally refers to a 'high-protein diet' which is a category of eating plans.
Popular Examples: Many named diets, such as Atkins, Keto, Dukan, and Paleo, are types of high-protein diets with specific restrictions on other macronutrients like carbs and fats.
Potential Benefits: High-protein diets can increase satiety, boost metabolism, aid in weight loss, and help preserve muscle mass, which is especially important during calorie restriction.
Associated Risks: Potential downsides include possible kidney strain for those with pre-existing conditions, nutrient deficiencies from restricted food groups, and heart health concerns with excessive saturated fat intake.
Consider the Source: The quality of the protein source matters significantly. Prioritizing lean, whole food sources over processed meats is key for a healthier high-protein diet.
Consult a Professional: It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before starting any high-protein diet to ensure it aligns with your health status and needs.

Understanding the High-Protein Diet Concept

There is a common misconception that a "protein diet" has a single, official name. In reality, it is a category encompassing various dietary approaches that prioritize a higher intake of protein compared to a standard diet. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, but high-protein diets often recommend intakes of 1.2–2.0 grams per kilogram or even higher, depending on the specific plan and individual goals. These plans are often sought for weight management, muscle building, and improving body composition. The increased focus on protein is linked to its ability to increase satiety, preserve lean muscle mass, and potentially boost metabolism.

Popular Diets Emphasizing High Protein

Several well-known diets are, in essence, different versions of a high-protein diet, each with its own unique restrictions and guidelines. The key difference between these plans often lies in their approach to carbohydrate and fat intake.

The Atkins Diet

Developed in the 1960s, the Atkins diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-protein eating plan. It involves four phases that gradually increase carbohydrate intake. The initial phase is very restrictive on carbs, leading the body to enter a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of glucose. The diet emphasizes lean meats, fish, eggs, and cheese while limiting grains, pasta, and sugary foods.

The Dukan Diet

Similar to Atkins, the Dukan diet is another popular low-carb, high-protein plan with a multi-phase structure. It begins with a strict "Attack" phase of pure protein foods, followed by phases that gradually reintroduce approved non-starchy vegetables and other food groups. This diet was created by French physician Pierre Dukan and focuses on lean proteins and fat-free dairy.

The Ketogenic (Keto) Diet

While often categorized as high-fat, the keto diet involves a moderate protein intake (around 20-35% of calories) that is higher than the standard American diet. It is a very low-carbohydrate plan that forces the body into a state of ketosis to burn fat for fuel. Sources of protein include meat, fish, and dairy, while almost all carbs are eliminated. Different variations of the keto diet exist, including a high-protein keto version, but the focus remains on fat as the primary energy source.

The Paleo Diet

The Paleo diet is based on the presumed eating habits of early humans during the Paleolithic era. It advocates for eating whole, unprocessed foods like lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and excludes grains, legumes, dairy, and processed sugars. Given its emphasis on animal proteins, it naturally results in a higher protein intake. Unlike Atkins and Dukan, it does not explicitly restrict carbohydrates as long as they come from approved sources like fruits and vegetables.

The Zone Diet

The Zone diet was designed to keep the body's hormones, particularly insulin, in a specific 'zone' for optimal function. It recommends a macronutrient ratio of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat, making it a balanced yet protein-conscious approach. This diet allows for a wider variety of foods than some other high-protein diets and focuses on proper meal composition.

Benefits and Risks of High-Protein Diets

Consuming a diet high in protein offers several potential benefits, particularly for those seeking weight loss or improved body composition. However, it is not without risks, especially if not managed correctly.

Benefits:

Increased Satiety: Protein promotes a feeling of fullness, which can reduce overall calorie intake and curb cravings.
Muscle Maintenance: Adequate protein intake is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass, especially during weight loss.
Boosted Metabolism: The thermic effect of food (TEF) is highest for protein, meaning the body burns more calories to digest it than it does for fats or carbs.
Weight Loss: By improving satiety and boosting metabolism, high-protein diets can lead to greater weight loss and fat mass reduction.

Risks:

Kidney Strain: Excessive protein can put a load on the kidneys, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting such a diet. For healthy individuals, evidence suggests high protein intake is not harmful.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Diets that restrict food groups, particularly certain carbohydrates, can lead to deficiencies in important nutrients like fiber and certain vitamins and minerals.
Increased Risk of Heart Disease: Diets high in fatty animal proteins, such as bacon or red meat, can increase the intake of saturated fats and cholesterol, potentially raising the risk of heart disease.
Bad Breath and Constipation: Shifting macronutrient ratios can sometimes cause digestive issues or bad breath, especially if hydration and fiber intake are not maintained.

Comparison of High-Protein Diet Variations


Feature	Atkins Diet	Dukan Diet	Ketogenic (Keto) Diet	Paleo Diet	Zone Diet
Primary Goal	Weight loss via low carb	Weight loss in phases	Ketosis (fat-burning)	Mimic hunter-gatherers	Balanced hormones
Carbs	Severely restricted initially, then gradually reintroduced	Strictly limited in early phases	Very low	Excludes grains, legumes, refined sugar	40% of calories
Protein	High	High	Moderate-High	High (lean sources)	30% of calories
Fat	High	Low (lean protein focus)	Very High	Moderate (healthy sources)	30% of calories
Key Foods	Meat, eggs, cheese, non-starchy veggies	Lean meats, dairy, oats, vegetables	Meat, fish, fats, low-carb veggies	Lean meat, fish, fruits, nuts, seeds	Protein, carbs, fats in specific ratios
Excluded Foods	Grains, sugars, starchy veggies	Grains, starchy veggies, fruits initially	Grains, sugar, most fruits	Grains, legumes, dairy, processed foods	Bread, pasta, refined sugars

Conclusion

To answer the question, "What is a protein diet called?" there is no singular term. The phrase typically refers to a "high-protein diet," but many specific diets like Atkins, Dukan, Keto, and Paleo represent different approaches within this category. While these diets can be effective for weight loss and muscle maintenance, it is crucial to understand the principles and risks involved with each before adopting one. Focusing on lean, high-quality protein sources while maintaining a balanced intake of other macronutrients is generally recommended for optimal health. Consulting a registered dietitian or healthcare professional can help you determine the safest and most effective high-protein approach for your individual needs. Remember that a balanced approach is key to long-term success and overall well-being. For further reading, Harvard Health offers an excellent overview of different protein sources and their impact on health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A high-protein diet simply increases protein intake, whereas a ketogenic (keto) diet is specifically a high-fat, very low-carb plan designed to induce ketosis. While keto has a moderately high protein level, its primary focus is on fats, making it distinct from a general high-protein approach.

High-protein diets are generally considered safe for most healthy individuals. However, they are not recommended for people with kidney disease or other kidney issues, as excessive protein can strain kidney function.

In healthy adults, high protein intake has not been shown to cause kidney damage. However, it can potentially worsen pre-existing kidney disease, so those with kidney conditions should follow medical advice on protein consumption.

Foods in a high-protein diet often include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Different versions of the diet may emphasize or restrict certain types of these foods.

A high-protein intake is generally considered to be above the RDA of 0.8 g/kg of body weight. Specific diet plans may recommend intakes of 1.2 to 2.0 g/kg or more per day, depending on individual goals and activity levels.

Yes, many people find success losing weight on a high-protein diet. Protein increases satiety, helps preserve muscle mass, and has a higher thermic effect than fat or carbs, all of which support weight loss.

Potential drawbacks include nutrient deficiencies if the diet is too restrictive, digestive issues like constipation or bad breath, and potential health risks if the diet relies heavily on fatty, processed meats.