Weight Loss with a Low-Carbohydrate, Mediterranean, or Low-Fat Diet

In the New England Journal of Medicine there was an article published about trials comparing the effectiveness and safety of weight-loss diets.

Article (click here)

Summary of findings:

1. Weight loss was highest in the low-carb group.
2. Total cholesterol to HDL ratio improved most in the low-carb group.
3. Effects on insulin and leptin sensitivity were mixed, but the Mediterranean and low-carb diets were “better” insofar as there were differences.
4. Effects varied in some significant ways among men versus women.

Excerpt:

In this 2-year dietary-intervention study, we found that the Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets are effective alternatives to the low-fat diet for weight loss and appear to be just as safe as the low-fat diet. In addition to producing weight loss in this moderately obese group of participants, the low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets had some beneficial metabolic effects, a result suggesting that these dietary strategies might be considered in clinical practice and that diets might be individualized according to personal preferences and metabolic needs. The similar caloric deficit achieved in all diet groups suggests that a low-carbohydrate, non–restricted-calorie diet may be optimal for those who will not follow a restricted-calorie dietary regimen.