The protein diet is a popular weight loss tool made famous in recent years. The diet revolves around reducing the carbohydrate consumption in one's diet while greatly increasing the protein consumption. The physiological idea behind this is that the body burns carbohydrates for energy and thy can easily become fat if the calories are not used immediately, whereas protein only builds muscle mass in the body. Extra protein consumption, with reduced carbohydrate consumption, is thought to aid greatly in weight loss, but only when combined with an adequate exercise regimen.