DOC News May 1, 2007
Volume 4 Number 5 p. 15
© 2007 American Diabetes Association
RGL Diet a Good Alternative
Overweight and obese adults seeking an effective weight management plan
should consider a reduced-glycemic-load (RGL) diet, according to a new study.
Researchers conclude that an RGL diet is a "reasonable"
alternative to a low-fat, portion-controlled eating plan.
Study participants in the RGL group were instructed to eat until satisfied
while maintaining a low daily carbohydrate intake. The control group was
instructed to reduce daily fat intake and decrease portion sizes. Participants
in the RGL diet group at week 12 lost 4.9 kg (10.8 lbs) compared with the
control group, which lost 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs). The two groups did not differ
significantly at week 36 during the maintenance phase of the study, however.
No evidence of adverse effects on cardiovascular disease risk markers was
observed following the study.
Many people find it difficult to comply with traditional weight management
plans, which emphasize dietary fat restrictions, replacing fats with
carbohydrates, and limiting portion sizes, because the body's adaptive
techniques during restricted energy periods tend to increase hunger levels and
reduce energy expenditure, researchers suggest. More research is needed to
clarify the mechanisms responsible for initial weight loss and fat associated
with an RGL diet, evaluate the persistence of losses over longer treatment
periods, and gain more insight into treatment strategies to improve long-term
weight-loss maintenance, they add.
Maki K, Rains T, Kaden V, et al.: Effects of a
reduced-glycemic-load diet on body weight, body composition, and
cardiovascular disease risk markers in overweight and obese adults.
Am J Clin Nutr 85:724–734, 2007.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
CiteULike 
Del.icio.us 
Digg 
Reddit 
Technorati What's this?
