Moderate-carbohydrate low-fat versus low-carbohydrate high-fat meal replacements for weight loss.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of a low-carbohydrate high-fat versus a moderate-carbohydrate low-fat diet for weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction.


METHODS
In a prospective clinical trial, 137 participants (body mass index >or=25 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to Control (46 randomized, 44 completed), Low Carbohydrate (45 randomized, 42 completed), or Moderate Carbohydrate (46 randomized, 40 completed) groups. Outcomes included measures of body size and composition and blood chemistries.


RESULTS
Both the Low and Moderate Carbohydrate groups lost significantly more weight as well as inches from their waists and thighs than the Control group, while the Low Carbohydrate group lost a greater percentage of body fat. Although the Moderate Carbohydrate group showed significant reductions in serum cholesterol, the Low Carbohydrate group showed the greatest improvements in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and very-low-density lipoprotein.


CONCLUSIONS
Moderate approaches to weight loss such as a moderate-carbohydrate low-fat diet may be prudent.
Wal
Jillon S Vander
JS
Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University. St Louis, MO, USA.
McBurney
Michael I
MI
Moellering
Nancy
N
Marth
Jorene
J
Dhurandhar
Nikhil V
NV
D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology*
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol