A low-carb diet consists of limiting carbohydrates while increasing the intake of protein and fat. Although there is no clear definition of a low-carb diet, popular low-carb diet plans, such as Atkins, restrict carbohydrates to 20 g per day. Research indicates that low-carb diets are effective for weight loss.
Mechanism
Researchers from Temple University School of Medicine explored the mechanism behind low-carb diets ability to induce fat loss. For two weeks, type 2 diabetics limited their carb consumption to 20 g per day. At the end of the study, which was published in the March 2008 issue of the "Annals of Internal Medicine," scientists observed that participants decreased their calorie consumption by 1,000 calories per day on the low-carb diet plan. They discovered that subjects experienced a significant reduction in appetite, which lead to a lower calorie intake and subsequent fat loss.
Diet Comparisons
Scientists from Soroka University Medical Center in Israel compared the effects of different diets on weight loss in obese subjects. For two years, subjects adhered to one of several diets: low-carb, Mediterranean or low-fat. They reported in the July 2008 issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine," that subjects following the low-carb diet lost the greatest amount of body fat compared to the other diet groups.
Eco-Atkins
In research reported in the June 2009 issue of "Archives of Internal Medicine," researchers from the University of Toronto explored the impact of a low-carb diet rich in plant proteins, also called Eco-Atkins, on weight loss and cholesterol levels in overweight women and men. Patients were randomly assigned to Eco-Atkins diet, which derived protein from gluten, soy, nuts and cereals, or a control diet, which contains higher amounts of carbs, for four weeks. At the end of the study, scientists discovered that patients in both groups lost an average of 9 lbs., but the Eco-Atkins group experienced greater improvements in cholesterol levels compared to the control diet.
Insulin Resistance
Researchers from the University of Nevada School of Medicine examined the impact of a low-carb diet versus a low-fat diet on women with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells become resistant to insulin effects. They discovered that insulin-resistant women consuming a low-carb diet for 12 weeks lost a greater amount of weight than those following a low-fat diet.
References
- Science Daily: Study of Obese Diabetics Explains Why Low-Carb Diets Produce Fast Results
- New England Journal of Medicine: Weight Loss with a Low-Carbohydrate, Mediterranean, or Low-Fat Diet
- Science Daily: 'Eco-Atkins': Plant-Based, Low-Carb Diet May Promote Weight Loss And Improve Cholesterol Levels
- Science Daily: Cutting Carbs Is More Effective Than Low-Fat Diet for Insulin-Resistant Women, Study Finds
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