USE OF WHEY PROTEIN MICELLES FOR ENHANCING ENERGY EXPENDITURE AND SATIETY

1 . A method for the prevention or treatment of overweight and/or obesity in a subject comprising the step of administering whey protein micelles to the subject in need of same.

2 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the whey protein micelles are administered to the subject in combination with a meal.

3 . The method according to claim 2 , wherein the meal comprises a component selected from the group consisting of whey protein isolates, native or hydrolyzed milk proteins, free amino acids, and a combination thereof.

4 . The method according to claim 2 , wherein the whey protein micelles are provided as part of the meal in a form selected from the group consisting of a beverage, nutritional composition, bar, flakes and pellets.

5 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the whey protein micelles are administered to the subject in a daily dose of at least 20 g dry weight.

6 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the subject is a child or an adult human being.

7 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the subject is an animal.

8 . A non-therapeutic method to increase satiety and/or postprandial energy expenditure in a subject comprising administering whey protein micelles.

9 . The method according to claim 8 , to enhance lean body mass and/or decrease body fat mass.

10 . A food composition comprising at least 15 wt % whey protein micelles, wherein the food composition is to be administered to an overweight or obese subject, or to a subject at risk for becoming overweight or obese.

11 . (canceled)

12 . The food composition according to claim 10 , wherein the food composition comprises 15-30 wt % proteins, 10-15 wt % lipids, 35-50 wt % carbohydrates and 5-10 wt % fibers of total dry weight.

13 . A pet food composition comprising whey protein micelles.