`Human need for proteins blamed for overeating epidemic`

Washington: The human need for protein is so powerful that they tend to overeat to consume more, according to a research.

The researchers found that calorie intake increases as people eat less protein in proportion to other nutrients like fat and carbohydrates.

They said that when the protein becomes "diluted" by the rest of our diet, we may keep eating more and more calories in search of some kind of hard-wired intake target, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

This could be prevented by ensuring protein intake is adequate.

The research includes data from 38 trials, concluding that the drive for protein may stop the feedback provided by carbohydrates and fats' consumption.

The research has been published in the journal Obesity Reviews.