DOC News April 1, 2007
Volume 4 Number 4 p. 11
© 2007 American Diabetes Association
Low-Carb Diet Promotes Metabolic Health
Although the hype seems to have cooled in the last year or so, Atkins-type
diets that are low in carbohydrates and high in fats and proteins remain
popular with people seeking to lose weight. Some medical authorities are wary
of the low-carb approach because the diet runs counter to traditional wisdom
that a weight-reduction diet should limit fats and energy-dense foods.
But a head-to-head comparison reveals that the low-carb diet produced
greater metabolic effects in overweight premenopausal women than other popular
diets, according to a report published in the March 7 issue of
JAMA.
The A TO Z (Atkins, Traditional, Ornish, Zone) Weight Loss Study included
311 overweight or obese premenopausal women, none of whom had diabetes. Women
were randomized to follow one of four diet schemes. The Atkins group was
advised to consume 
20 g of carbohydrates for the first 2–3 months,
then 50 g per day. Participants on the Zone diet were instructed to follow a
diet consisting of about 40% carbohydrates, 30% fat, and 30% protein. Those in
the traditional lifestyles, exercise, attitudes, relationships, and nutrition
(LEARN) diet group were told to follow a prudent diet that included
55–60% of energy from carbohydrates and <10% from saturated fat. The
Ornish diet mainly focused on keeping energy derived from fat <10%.
Participants were also counseled on the importance of physical activity and
other healthful lifestyle choices.
After 12 months, participants following the Atkins-type diet had
significantly greater weight loss than those adhering to the other diets.
Secondary outcomes, such as lipid profile, blood pressure, fasting glucose,
and insulin levels, "were comparable with or more favorable than the
other diet groups," according to investigators.
Questions remain about the long-term effects of a low-carbohydrate,
high-fat, high-protein diet. But the A TO Z study indicates that an
Atkins-type diet "may be considered a feasible alternative
recommendation for weight loss," researchers conclude.
Gardner CD, Kiazand A, Alhassan S, et al.: Comparison of
the Atkins, Zone, Ornish, and LEARN diets for change in weight and related
risk factors among overweight premenopausal women.
JAMA 297:969–977, 2007[Abstract/Free Full Text]
.
CiteULike 
Del.icio.us 
Digg 
Reddit 
Technorati What's this?
