High-protein diets are everywhere from TikTok trends to protein-packed coffee, pasta, and even bottled water. But is “protein maxxing” actually healthy? And how much protein do you really need?

In this first episode of Health vs Hype from the American Medical Association and iHeartMedia’s Ruby Studio, host Trace Dominguez explores one of the most talked-about nutrition trends online. With bold claims about building muscle, losing weight, and optimizing health, protein has become the centerpiece of many diets, but what does science say about protein maxxing?

We’ll talk to folks interested in the protein maxxing trend, an influencer who lives by it, and an expert physician who gives us all the answers to some of the biggest questions people are asking online: 

• Does eating more protein automatically build muscle?
• How much protein is too much?
• Are high-protein diets safe for everyone?
• Is animal protein better than plant protein?

If you’ve ever wondered whether a high-protein diet is right for you, or felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice online, this episode will help you make sense of it all.

Health vs Hype is a podcast from the American Medical Association that takes on viral health trends and breaks them down with real stories, expert insight, and evidence-based guidance.

Listen in to find out: is protein maxxing all health… or just hype?