Low-carb diet produces faster weight loss for men

November 23, 2004 in Nutrition Topics in the News, Weight Management

Low-carb diet produces faster weight loss for men

For men who want to quickly lose weight, it's better to cut carbohydrates than to cut fat, a small study suggests.

When overweight men who were otherwise healthy followed either a low-fat or low-carbohydrate diet for 50 days, they tended to lose more weight and body fat, particularly in the trunk area, when they stuck with the low-carb regimen.

Women who participated in the study also tended to lose more weight by cutting back on carbs, but the difference between the low-carb diet and the low-fat regimen was less dramatic.

Although the study was relatively short, previous research shows the low-carb diet may surpass the low fat diet even after up to one year of dieting.

The current study was funded by the Dr. Robert C. Atkins Foundation. Dr. Atkins was the creator of the low-carbohydrate Atkins diet.

Previous investigations of low-carb diets have measured overall weight loss, and not where people tend to lose that weight, or body fat. This is an important consideration given that extra abdominal fat is linked to diabetes, atherosclerosis and other health problems.

The research team asked 15 overweight men to follow either a low fat or a low-carb diet, for 50 days. Thirteen overweight women did the same for 30 days, to control for the effects of their menstrual cycle. Each participant then switched to the other diet.

While following the low-fat regimen, participants ate mostly whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy and meats. Approximately 55 percent of calories were carbohydrates, and 25 percent came from fats.

During the low-carb diet, participants cut their intake of carbohydrates to 10 percent of total calories, while fats made up 60 percent of daily intake. Low-carb staples included beef, poultry, oils, nuts, eggs, and some vegetables.

The researchers found that the majority of men lost more weight, fat and trunk fat on the low-carb diet than while following the low-fat regimen. Women also appeared to shed more pounds and fat following the low-carb diet, but to a lesser extent than men.

Experts have questioned whether the low-carb diet -- which allows people to eat high-fat fare -- is safe over the long term, and it remains unclear how the diet affects the heart and blood vessels, as well as kidney and bone health.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.