Low Carbs For A Torn Acl With Obesity

Obesity, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a body weight that is greater than what is considered healthy for a certain height. Your body mass index, or BMI, is the primary measurement to determine obesity because it is correlated with body fat, although athletes may have a high BMI even without excess body fat. The combination of excess weight and poor physical conditioning can increase the risk of knee injuries. A low-carb diet may be helpful for weight loss.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of the four primary ligaments in your knee. Ligaments help hold the bones together and keep your knee stable. The ACL prevents the shin bone from sliding forward and helps to keep the knee stable during rotation of the knee joint. Injuries to the ACL can range from a slight stretching of the ligament to a complete tear. A stretched ACL may heal on its own with rest and support, but surgery is necessary if the ACL is torn.

Low-carb Diets

Popular low-carb diets include the Atkins diet and the Zone diet. Low-carb diets limit the amount of carbohydrate you can eat while emphasizing proteins and fats. Bread, grains, starchy vegetables and fruits are usually restricted on a low-carb diet and sweets such as candy or desserts are eliminated entirely. Low-carb diets typically vary in carbohydrate restriction from 50 to 150 grams of carbohydrate a day. Low-carb diets may also be low in fiber; constipation can be a problem.

Research

There is evidence that low-carb diets can help people lose weight. A study in the May 2003 “New England Journal of Medicine” found study participants on the low-carb diet lost more weight at three and six months than those on other types of diets. In the first six months, low-carb dieters lost about 4 percent more weight than those on a conventional diet. After 12 months, total weight loss was about the same. Low-carb diets were more effective at decreasing blood fats and diastolic blood pressure than conventional diets.

More Research

A second study in the January 2009 issue of “Obesity Reviews” reported the results of a meta-analysis – an examination of a large collection of scientific studies – comparing the effects of low-carb/high protein diets with low-fat/high carb diets. Researchers reported people on the low-fat diet were more likely to go off the diet. People on the low-carb diet were more likely to lose weight, improve blood pressure parameters and improve blood lipids such as high density cholesterol and triglycerides.

Considerations and Warnings

There is no evidence that a low-carb diet can help prevent or heal an ACL injury, but if you are obese, the low-carb diet may help you lose weight. Weight loss and an exercise program can help improve your physical condition and decrease the chances of joint injuries. If you are obese or have any medical conditions, consult a health-care professional before you start a diet or exercise program.