Low-fat diet trims body fat better than low-carb diet

http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2015/08/14/4293039.htm

by davegardner • 11 years ago

7 10 11 years ago

abc.net.au

lhankbhl• 11 years ago

Interesting and probably merits further examination. They did mention that the findings only speak to short term results and of course the most important bit is at the end of the article:

"Ultimately, Hall cautions against using the study to determine what diet to follow.
"Rather than expecting a specific metabolic advantage for choosing one diet over another for losing body fat, it is better to choose a diet that is healthy for you and one that you can stick to for long periods of time, ideally permanently," he says.

lbaskin• 11 years ago

People attempting to lose weight should not be swayed by the "popular theory about how low-carb diets offer a specific metabolic advantage for body fat loss," says Hall. "Our study has demonstrated that this theory is probably not true."
"The study involved 19 participants who were kept as in-patients for two two-week blocks and their diet strictly controlled."

Only 19 participants on diets that were only two weeks long (at a time)? I'm skeptical.

Gibbon1• 11 years ago

I read this as badly designed and woefully underpowered study generates worthless results.

epalmer• 11 years ago

"The study involved 19 participants who were kept as in-patients for two two-week blocks and their diet strictly controlled."

The study seems badly flawed.

If you have dieted you know that the highest rate of weight loss is in the first week or two. It is easier to stick to almost any diet for two weeks. Sticking to a change in eating behavior long term is harder than the first couple of weeks.

I have tried both diets and found my genotype is carb sensitive. Any low quality carb I eat has me wanting to eat more.

So for me a low carb (well formulated, keto-adapted) diet seems to be what works. I have a dramatically reduced caloric intake and appetite, lower blood pressure, more energy all day and in the evening and 2+ lbs average weight loss / week. Once I get my weight closer to target I know this will taper.

There are many benefits of a ketogenic diet including brain health. This is just one study of many. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2367001/

If you care I have two doctors involved (internal medicine and cardiologist) and both supportive of my well formulated low carb diet.

kolev2• 11 years ago

Those who had tried low-carb know it takes time to adjust metabolism to the new diet and two weeks is way too short of a period.

eclipxe• 11 years ago

Absolutely agree! In two weeks the body is barely flushing excess water and adjusting to use ketones as a fuel source when carbohydrates aren't available. I'd love to see a study 6+ months long and with varying levels of carb reduction.

MaysonL• 11 years ago

Actually, only 6 days, as each subject was given first one of the two diets (low-carb or low-fat), then the other.

kolev2• 11 years ago

Nutrition is notorious with its flawed and sponsored studies!

jaworrom• 11 years ago

Problem with low-fat diets is they lead to hormonal deficiencies, sub-par vitamin absorption, and let's not forget that fatty acids are precursors to the hormones and chemicals produced in the brain. Depression is fairly common in long-term low-fat diets as well.

thelastguy• 11 years ago

Just do what works for you. If one diet isn't working, just try out a different one. Eventually, you'll find the correct diet for you (paleo). Obviously, paleo is the correct answer, but, you have try out all those other diets first, before you can get to the right one (paleo).

Low-fat diet trims body fat better than low-carb diet

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