This session delivers an overview of dietary protein requirements and recommendations across the life span, current protein intakes, various sources of protein and regulations on protein foods in Canada. This session will also examine the latest research on protein intake and its impact on weight loss and weight maintenance, including the science behind protein's effect on satiety, exploring how it helps regulate appetite, impacts metabolism, and influences lean muscle mass. The session will conclude with emerging research on behavior modifications such as protein timing and exercise, and where more research is needed.
Stéphanie Chevalier, RD, PhD, is an Associate Professor and the Graduate Program Director of the School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, an Associate Member in the Department of Medicine and Medical Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. A registered dietitian, she earned her Ph.D. degree in nutrition, from University of Montreal and completed postdoctoral studies in nutrition and metabolism at the former McGill Nutrition and Food Science Centre. Her main area of expertise is protein metabolism and the role of dietary protein, amino acids and other nutrients in muscle and function loss observed in aging and metabolic disorders such as cancer and type 2 diabetes. She also investigates the interplay between nutrition, muscle health and cognition in older individuals from observational studies and clinical trials. Her research program is funded by the CIHR, CFI/JELF, and the Canadian Cancer Society. Stéphanie serves on the CNS Board of Directors as the VP Research - President Elect and on the CNS Education Committee. She is also a member of the Québec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Aging (NuAge) – Steering Committee and the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging – Lifestyle Working Group.