Low-Carbohydrate Diet for Weight Loss: Is There a Benefit?

Dear Colleagues,

Controversy still surrounds the optimal macronutrient composition for weight loss in people with and without diabetes. A recent meta-analysis of studies recommending a diet with a higher protein and lower carbohydrate for weight loss or weight maintenance reported better weight and fat loss of approximately 0.4 kg for both. Other benefits reported were lower fasting triglyceride and insulin concentrations. In a meta-analysis of studies of very low carbohydrate diets, greater weight loss was seen than on a low fat diet. However, a low carbohydrate diet high in saturated fat has been shown to increase LDL-cholesterol and impair endothelial function despite substantial weight loss. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies in people with diabetes showed that low-carbohydrate, low-glycaemic index, Mediterranean, and high-protein diets all had greater improvement in glycaemic control compared to control diets with the low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets achieving more weight loss.

Dr. Jennifer Keogh
Dr. Peter Clifton
Guest Editors

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