SubscribeLow Carb Diets: Health Improvements
The body of research that supports the use of low carbohydrate diets continues to grow.
Swedish researchers previously reported that patients following a low carbohydrate diet achieved better diabetes control and body weight - than patients following a more traditional carb-heavy approach.
New research shows the results of a 22 months follow-up. It appears that the patients have gained some weight back - but are still maintaining an overall weight loss:
At the start of the study, the average body weight of the participants was 100.6 kg in the low-carbohydrate group. At 6 months, they were down to 89.2 kg, and by 22 months they were at 92.0 kg.
The researchers give the following summary (src):
...a reduced carbohydrate diet is an effective tool in the management in motivated obese patients with type 2 diabetes. The effect is generally retained after almost 2 years. There has been no evidence of a negative cardiovascular effect among the 16 subjects.The group followed a macro-nutrient ratio of 20% carbs, 30% protein, and 50% fat.
"We Know Very Little"
What is refreshing is that the researcher, J Nielsen, offers this honest comment about diet and diabetes: "we know very little and patients should be informed about our lack of knowledge so they can make their own choices. And then they should get our full support in whatever they chose" (src).
This statement is contrary to the heavily promoted low-fat one-size-fits-all diet that is prescribed by every major health authority.
Traditional Diet Guidelines
Just yesterday I was reading an article in a popular healthy food magazine. The article was about "sugar slumps", hypoglycemia, and other carbohydrate related issues. I was disappointed by the final summary points. One solution was to follow a "balanced" diet - a diet based on six servings of breads and cereals - the traditional carb-heavy food pyramid.
From personal experience I know that if I do not correctly manage my carbohydrate intake - I experience hypoglycemic symptoms in short order. In my case carbohydrate choice (and amount) is critical.
Bottom Line
Different dietary approaches work for different people. Current nutritional advice and research is incredibly confusing and contradictory. All these different studies show us one thing: No one has all the answers - not the food industry nor state health authorities.
The bottom line: find what works for you - and don't get carried away by anyone else's mandate.
Any info on the type of fat in their diet or the type of low-carb diet they followed ie Atkins, South Beach type?
ReplyDid they use artificial sugars, butter vs tran free-margarine? Guess I would be interested in more specifics, if available?
This is very interesting as I have done a some what low carb diet but I knew it was the wrong way to lose weight. Reading post, articles, and the most recent research on,low carb diets is good news but I still would like to read research on low carb diets for weight loss.
ReplyThe provisional full-text document reports:
No mention of what kind of fats.ReplyI think a weightloss of 8 kg is a bit disappointing for someone who weighed 100 kg (I have been there). I know losing 5-10% of body weight is already beneficial for health, but I did not start to feel better after I lost a lot more. It seems strange that people on a relatively healthy (no snacking, no cereals and sugars etc.) 1600-1800 calorie diet who also exercise do not lose more weight than that.
Dr Fuhrman recently wrote on his blog: In fact, a recent study conducted by Dr. Sarter of USC (pending publication) revealed 63 people following my Eat to Live diet-style showed more weight loss, cholesterol lowering, and diabetic reversal than any other study in medical history. The average patient lost 52 pounds and they were followed for two years.
ReplyJim,
Good Article!
The trouble with actual research results is that it upsets people who are still on a low fat diet. We can't have that!
I find it interesting that people say: I want to see more research on low carb weight loss, but they are happy to endorse the low fat way. Not much research that is positive for weight loss there!
The Dr Atkins diet is working wonderfully for me. At this stage I am up to 128 pounds lost.
I have seen people who have lost weight on Low carb, and then started eating High Carb Low Fat again - invariably they gain the weight back.
Low Carb Diets don't stop:-
Society Pressure to endulge in food
The huge Fast Food Industry
All these so called experts pushing grain based foods.
These are things all of us have to deal with, but a Low Carb diet is a viable option as a 'Way of Life' and should be considered. Considered especially for the extremely obese, pre-diabetic, hypoglcemic, & diabetic & those that don't like hunger pangs!
ReplyLow Carb Dave makes a good point. Low Carb Diets don't stop. I'm not on a low carb diet, but the fact is, when you find out what works for you, you must consider the fact that if it is a temporary diet, it really isn't working for you. You must find out what will work for you and that you can live with permanently. Changing your eating habits temporarily only works temporarily!
ReplyI think it's great if it works for some people. I would never go on a low carb high fat diet because 1) I don't need to go on a diet at all, ha ha; 2) When I eat foods that are high in fat I get sick to my stomach; and 3) I like eating carbs. I like my brown rice and my couscous and all those things. Maybe that makes me selfish, but oh well. I've been called worse things!
ReplyI agree with the fact that you have to do what works for you. I personally eat a diet lower in simple carbs, but richer in complex carbs because I am very active and if I don't get enough carbs, I can't run very well. But for the majority of the population that are fairly sedentary or only moderately active, a lower carb diet is probably more appropriate. Unless you are very active, the average American probably eats too many carbs.
ReplyNic,
If you don't need a diet and are fine with your weight, what interests you in this blog?
Pam
ReplyThis subject always seems to be the most contraversial - and gives rise to strong opinions. Everyone has good points! As spectra says - many people eat enough carbs to fuel an elite athlete - seriously. I enjoy carbohydrates and they are an absolutely essential item for me.
Another thing - mention dietary fat to most people - and they think of a barrel of KFC dripping with fat. When I think of dietary fat I think of yummy almonds, walnuts, avocados, maybe peanut butter, perhaps some flax or olive oil.
This is the trouble with reducing everything to a macro-nutrient - we end up overlooking the wonderful qualities of each individual food.
ReplyI'd go low carb, but other things must play out:
Balance your fats. Eat a moderate amount of saturated fats and polyunsaturated fats that's equal in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. And Stay away from hydrogenated oils. Even a small amount of hydrogenated oils are so bad for you. Fully hydrogenated oils are the worst.
ReplyWell pardon me, I wasn't aware that a person had to have a problem with their weight or be on a diet to comment on this site. I guess I missed that part.
ReplyI'm interested, that's all. And I'm bulimic, does that qualify me? Am I allowed to stay?
Nic: Anyone interested in pursuing health and wholeness is welcome.
ReplyOk I didn't mean to overreact! I wasn't trying to be snippy in my first post (where I said I didn't need to go on a diet). Very sorry. And yeah, I am here because I am trying to learn how to nourish myself again and want to do it in a healthy way. This blog actually helps a lot and everyone here is mostly great, so thanks.
ReplyI need to find a stress reduction blog, it's been a rough couple days, ha ha!
I like carbs too. I love them. Sugar, chocolate with sugar, white bread, brown bread, whole grain, refined grains, frutose etc etc
The Western world wouldn't be a problem, if we didn't like carbs!
ReplyI have tried the low carbs and I LOVE RED MEAT. But the truth is I wanted to fix a problem not create one. I have learned how to each the right mix of protein,carbs,fruit and veg. Cutting carbs out of a diet won't help in the long haul. Moderation and variety
Replyexercise are the keys to any diet. 61lbs ytd I am actually trying to gain some weight back at this time.
There's a slight difference between sugar/fructose and whole grain bread....
ReplyI also couldn't do the low carb because I don't really like meat, and I don't eat red meat at all. There'd be nothing for me to eat, ha ha!
I think this is one of those diets that can work for some people and it's really great, and for other people it's not a good idea.
Hi
ReplyI read your blog with interest.
I wanted to add that I am a ovo-lacto vegetarian and it is not hard to stick to a low carb eating plan. One has to give what to eat more thought but it is possible - and low carb bread helps alot. Just as a side note, I have just had tests done (as a regular checkup) and my iron is major high!
Have a nice day everyone.
My reality changed when I started watching the "Dog Whisperer." As is with dogs, it works for people.
It starts with exercise, then discipline, and finally affection.
I made exercise the most important part of my life. Once I began an exercise program, I became more disciplined, and to complete the circle, I began to like, love myself.
You can't live in harmony without getting rid of the negative energy. Once I realized that exercise is the key, I became more focused and life changed.
As for my diet, Atkins all the way. I have more energy, more attitude and my health is better. Dr Atkins was truly revolutionary. In fact, since I combined the philosophies of the Dog Whisperer and Dr Atkins, it all began to make sense.
Good luck everyone!
ReplyI support low carb diets to the fullest. They gave me great weight loss results fast. I even created my own site because of this. found at:
http://www.fat-and-tired.com
Great article by the way! Keep It up!
:-)
ReplyHello, I'm french and I'm not fluent in english, so I apologize if I'm not being clear : I read somewhere that it was very unhealthy to have less than 47% of carbs in your total caloric intake. Does anyone here know more about that ? Thanks.
Reply