| With obesity rates reaching epidemic proportions | | | | diet, on which it was supposed to be based. With |
| worldwide, nutrition researchers have performed | | | | 30% calories from fat, the low fat diet was also |
| several studies trying to find a solution to the | | | | questionable as "low fat" per se. |
| problem. For years they have debated about the | | | | A most recent study was also published in the New |
| effectiveness and safety of a low carb vs. low fat | | | | England Journal of Medicine, in February 2009 [2]. It |
| diet. This article shows the most relevant results in | | | | involved diets emphasizing one the three |
| some of their trials comparing these two popular | | | | macronutrients (fat, protein and carbohydrates) as a |
| diets. | | | | source of energy. After completing the 2 year trial, |
| Some studies published in the early 2000's suggested | | | | participants lost a similar amount of weight regardless |
| that low carb diets were more effective than low fat | | | | of the type of diet they were on. All the diets |
| and they appeared to be safe. The problem was that | | | | reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease and |
| none of the studies was conducted long enough to | | | | diabetes. |
| show long term results for both weight loss and | | | | In the end, there is still no clear winner in the low |
| health effects. | | | | carb vs. low fat diet debate. This last research trial |
| In July 2008, the New England Journal of Medicine | | | | lead us to believe that if we want to lose weight we |
| published the first 2 year study comparing a low carb | | | | just need to burn more calories than we consume, |
| vs. low fat diet, as well as a Mediterranean diet [1]. | | | | regardless if these come from carbohydrates or fat. |
| The conclusions again showed that low carbohydrate | | | | We either exercise more, or eat less. Both would be |
| diets were effective alternatives to lose weight and | | | | ideal. |
| appeared to be safe. | | | | 1. Shai and others. (2008).Weight loss with a |
| However, some experts questioned the results, | | | | low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean, or low-fat diet. |
| arguing that the low carb diet, with 40% of calories | | | | NEJM 359:229-241 [ABSTRACT] |
| derived from carbohydrates for most of the trial, and | | | | 2. Sacks FM, Bray GA, Carey VJ, et al. (2009) |
| fruits and vegetables as the source of fat and | | | | Comparison of weight-loss diets with different |
| protein, was not really representative of the Atkins | | | | compositions of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. |