This study examines how changes in self-selected protein intake during caloric restriction (CR) affect diet quality and lean body mass (LBM) in adults with overweight or obesity. Using pooled data from 207 participants across multiple weight loss trials over 6 months, researchers assessed diet quality using the Healthy Eating Index and body composition via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The results indicated that participants with higher protein intake (HP) experienced significantly attenuated loss of lean body mass compared to the lower protein (LP) group. Additionally, the HP group showed greater improvements in diet quality, characterized by increased consumption of total protein and green vegetables, and reduced intake of refined grains and added sugars. The study concludes that increasing dietary protein during CR not only preserves LBM but also improves overall diet quality.