Many people looking to lose weight often turn to high-protein diets to shed the unwanted pounds.  While the extra protein limits the intake of carbohydrates and will lead to quick weight loss, staying on such diets for any length of time can lead to a number of health problems.

High-protein diets like Atkins, the Zone, Protein Power, and Sugar Busters can be improperly balanced, robbing the body of essential vitamins and minerals.  Placing emphasis on eating meat, eggs, and cheese, which are all high in protein, can have dire consequences, since all three foods are also loaded with saturated fat.  Eating a diet high in saturated fat can lead to coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain forms of cancer.  Carbohydrates like cereals, grains, fruits, vegetables, and certain low-fat dairy products are all required for a healthy, balanced diet.    
 
When dieters eat an abundance of protein and limit carbohydrates, they do tend to lose weight since eliminating carbs causes a loss of fluids.  Unfortunately, restricting carbs also prohibits the body from effectively burning fat.  

In order to cope with high-protein diets, the body releases substances called ketones into the bloodstream.  This leads to a condition known as ketosis, which can inspire nausea and a lack of appetite.  Too much protein in the body can even lead to kidney problems, liver disorders, and osteoporosis.       

Protein must be part of every healthy diet, but the key is eating it in moderation.  High-protein diets are simply too much of a good thing.