Low carbohydrate, high protein diets have received a great deal of exposure for their supposed role in supporting healthful, sustainable and rapid weight loss. According to the Medical Center at Ohio State University, many of the most popular diets, such as Atkins, South Beach, the Zone and Sugar Busters, follow the low-carb/high-protein paradigm. You should first talk to your health care provider and be familiar with this type of diet if you are planning to follow one of these diets or a similar protocol.
Unsustainble Weight Loss
According to the Medical Center at Ohio State University, high protein, low carb diets are not ideal to produce lasting weight loss. Although some people do well on low carb diets, many find a low carb diet very difficult or nearly impossible to maintain. Reverting to previous diet habits is often accompanied by a return of all the weight that was lost. Ohio State University says 90 percent of people who lose weight on low carb, high protein diets regain all or most of the weight back within five years. A lack of energy and fatigue, common side effects of a low carb diet, are often the reasons why most dieters cannot sustain or decide to switch back to a more balanced diet.
Malnutrition
Following a low carb, high protein diet can result in malnutrition. The Virginia Cooperative Extension and Virginia Tech University explain that low carb diets are often very restrictive and forbid many highly nutritious foods such as fruits, whole grains and even some vegetables. Not eating these foods removes a significant amount of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients that you need for optimal health. Low carb diets also tend to be extremely low in fiber, which helps support weight loss and blood glucose stability. Low carb diets might also forbid milk, which is a primary source of vitamin D and calcium for many people.
Lack of Scientific Evidence
There is currently not enough evidence for health care professionals to fully endorse low carb, high protein diets as the best protocol to support lasting long-term weight loss. The Virginia Cooperative Extension says many popular low carb diets misrepresent or misinterpret scientific research to sell their weight loss programs. Low carb diets tend to produce quick short-term weight loss, but might not be safe to remain on for an extended period of time.
Healthy Weight Loss
Following a more balanced diet in which you restrict overall calories instead of carbs might be a more healthy, lasting solution for weight loss. The University of Illinois suggests that you should try to lose 1 to 2 lbs. of weight each week. Most adults can healthfully do this by eating a balanced diet and restricting calories by about 500 to 1,000 calories a day. While carbs, blood glucose levels, insulin release and other factors certainly affect weight loss, losing weight is always a matter of burning more calories than you consume. Consult your doctor or a registered dietitian if you need further assistance or help to determine your caloric requirements.
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