title: [Low-carbohydrate or low-fat diet for weight loss--which is better?].
abstract: Several recent clinical studies show that a low-carbohydrate diet produces a greater initial weight loss than conventional low-fat diets, and is associated with a greater reduction of elevated serum triglycerides. After one year, however, weight loss is similar with both diets. Since the intake of saturated fat is higher on a low-carbohydrate diet, there may be an increased risk of elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, thus furthering atherosclerosis, over the long term. Before low-carbohydrate diets can be considered an equivalent alternative to low-fat diets for the treatment of obesity, long-term clinical trials are urgently required. The greater weight loss under low-carbohydrate diets would appear to be due to a lower caloric intake. Successful weight loss largely depends on restricting the intake of calories, but the supply of essential nutrients should be guaranteed.
authors.affiliation: Else-Kroner-Fresenius-Zentrum für Ernährungsmedizin der TU München, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, D-81675 München. Hauner@wzw.tum.de
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hauner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D031204:Caloric Restriction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted / Q000009:adverse effects; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates