The effects of a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet and a low-fat diet on mood, hunger, and other self-reported symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of weight loss diets on mood, food cravings, and other self-reported symptoms.


METHODS
Mood and other symptoms were evaluated by participant self-report using the Atkins Health Indicator Test (AHIT) in individuals undergoing weight loss following either a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet (LCKD) or a low-fat diet (LFD). Participants were 119 overweight community volunteers randomized to an LCKD or an LFD. An additional 51 participants who had completed an earlier trial contributed data for the psychometric analyses but were not included in the prospective analyses. Self-reported symptom levels on seven scales factor-analytically derived from the AHIT (negative affect, fatigue, somatic symptoms, physical effects of hunger, insomnia, hunger, and stomach problems) were acquired during 12 visits.


RESULTS
After adjusting for the change in BMI over the course of the trial, participants experienced significant improvements in most symptoms regardless of diet. Diet group x visit interactions were observed for negative affect [F(9,803) = 2.30, p = 0.015] and hunger [F(9,803) = 3.62, p < 0.0002]. Examination of means indicated that the LCKD group reported less negative affect and hunger, compared with the LFD group.


CONCLUSIONS
Regardless of diet, participants experienced significant improvement in a broad range of symptoms. Symptoms of negative affect and hunger improved to a greater degree in patients following an LCKD compared with those following an LFD. Whether these symptom changes explain the greater short-term weight loss generally experienced by LCKD followers deserves further research.
McClernon
F Joseph
FJ
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Suite 210-B Wing, 2200 West Main Street, Durham, NC 27705, USA.
Yancy
William S
WS
Eberstein
Jacqueline A
JA
Atkins
Robert C
RC
Westman
Eric C
EC
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology; D000368:Aged; D050528:Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006815:Hunger / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology