Is it harmful to eat a low-carbohydrate diet for weight loss? Or is it even HEALTHIER than the current low-fat dietary advice?
A major new study published today further fuels the debate and has already made major headlines. In the study 148 people were told to eat either a low-carb diet (under 40 g of carbs per day) or a low-fat diet, for one year.
The results are similar to those in previous studies. Once again, those on a low-carb diet lost significantly more weight, in this case three times more:
Dashed line = the low-carb group
Those who ate a low-carbohydrate diet also lost more fat mass.
The low-carb group also got better cholesterol levels than those in the low-fat group! As usual, they got more HDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and an improved cholesterol profile (total/HDL). As if this wasn’t enough, the fat eaters in the low-carb group received a significantly lower risk assessment for heart disease according to the 10-year Framingham risk score!
In addition, the low-carb group got significantly less inflammation in the body (measured as CRP).
This study was funded by American tax dollars (through the National Institutes of Health). None of the authors have any financial ties to the food industry.
Even before this study, the results were impressive that a low-carb diet provides a better weight and better health markers than today’s low-fat advice:
Swedish Expert Committee: A Low-Carb Diet Most Effective for Weight Loss
After today’s study, the truth becomes even clearer. It becomes even harder for people to ignore the potential health benefits of low-carb diets.
When are people with weight problems going to receive scientifically sound dietary advice from most health care professionals? Hopefully soon.
The study
Annals of Internal Medicine: Effects of Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diets: A Randomized Trial
Big headlines:
TIME: For Weight Loss, Low-Carb Diet Beats Low-FatNew York Times: A Call for a Low-Carb DietReuters: Low-carb diets may beat low-fat options for weight loss, heart healthWashington Post: Low carb diets more than low fat ones may help protect against heart diseaseUSNews: Low-Carb Beats Low-Fat for Weight Loss, Heart Health: Study
Try it yourself
A low-carb diet for beginners