Low carbohydrate diet. Its effects on selected body parameters of obese patients.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study, which involved 13 obese patients, was conducted to determine the effect of a low carbohydrate diet on the body weight and other body parameters, including blood pressure and selected biochemistry indicators.


METHODS
The study was carried out in Naim Health Center, Bahrain during the period March 2002 to April 2002. Each individual was followed for 6 weeks while on a low carbohydrate diet, with careful monitoring during the study period.


RESULTS
Paired t-test showed statistically significant reduction of waist circumference (p<0.00) and body weight (p<0.00) of the sample population after 6 weeks from the commencement of the diet. The body mass index also showed statistically significant reduction during the study period (p<0.01). Furthermore, blood cholesterol level was reduced (p<0.012). Although there was a statistically significant decrease in the fasting blood sugar levels (p<0.01), the mean readings remained within the normal range of blood sugar levels. There were no statistically significant changes in the levels of urate, creatinine, urea, triglyceride, and in systolic or diastolic blood pressure readings (p>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Low carbohydrate diet could help in reducing body weight without any significant harmful effect.
Alnasir
Faisal A
FA
Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, PO Box 22979, Bahrain. faisal@agu.edu.bh
Fateha
Bahaa E
BE
D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol