Note: The following page may contain affiliate links. To read our full disclaimer, click here.
Trying to sort through the multitudes of weight loss diets, fad and otherwise, can be daunting.
Oftentimes experimenting with the help of a licensed health care practitioner can help us determine what will work for each of us, but a little science to shed some light can help a ton.
The following meta-analysis helps us do just that.
Epidemiologists from University Hospital Basel in Basel, Switzerland analyzed five studies that fit their quality inclusion criteria and compared the effects of low-carb diets (with no energy restrictions) to low-fat diets (with energy restrictions) after six months.
They found the low-carb dieters lost more weight than their low-fat counterparts to the tune of 3.3 kg (or 7.28 lbs).
Considering that was without an energy restriction compared to a group that had energy restrictions, that’s fairly impressive.
But what about other effects of the diets? Namely blood pressure and cholesterol, two factors many people are concerned about when taking on a higher fat/higher protein diet.
In this analysis of these five studies, they found no differences in blood pressure.
In terms of triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the low-carb dieters actually fared better than the low-fat dieters.
Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, however, changed more favorably in the low-fat diet groups.
These are findings you should talk to your doctor about. There may or may not be an impact on your own personal health that should be considered.
These studies give us a good start in understanding the effects low-carb vs. low-fat diets have on weight loss with an added benefit of understanding other effects on our bodies.
More studies to confirm these findings (or disprove them) as well as determine the most effective ratios, should they exist, would be excellent.
But in the meantime, be sure to talk to your licensed health care practitioner if you are looking to start a diet or weight loss program.
Here’s to your health!
Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16476868/
Power Words – NOW AVAILABLE!
Power Words: The Ultimate Affirmations Guide to Achieve the Ultimate Joy, Success, and Prosperity!
Get it now for only $7.99 (paperback) or just $4.99 (ebook)!
The statements contained on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Unless otherwise specified, no writer for PursuitOfGreat.com is a licensed physician, medical doctor, trainer, nutritionist or health professional of any kind. Do not consume anything written about on this website if you are allergic to it.
The opinions expressed herein are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Please consult a physician or health care professional for your specific health care or medical needs.
Please talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise or diet program, including those found on this website. The information provided on this site is not intended as a substitute for consultations with your doctor nor is it intended to provide medical advice specific to your condition. (click to read our full disclaimer)