All calories are equal. If you eat an excess of calories and do not burn them through exercise, or they are not used otherwise by the body, then they are simply stored as fat. According to research, a diet high in protein, especially animal protein, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and some cancers. People who eat a high protein diet are usually also eating a diet high in fat and low in antioxidants, fiber, calcium and other beneficial nutrients. Eating a high protein diet puts you at risk for osteoporosis.
Research indicates that eating a lot of protein increases the amount of calcium lost in the urine.
High protein diets can be detrimental to the elderly, those who have declining kidney function and those with diabetes. Eating excess protein can make you urinate more frequently. Protein breaks down into urea, a waste product in the urine. This can lead to the risk of becoming dehydrated, as well as burdening the kidneys. The average high protein diet allows protein foods to be eaten at breakfast, lunch and dinner.