Study: Low-Carb Diet Beats Low-Fat For Weight Loss (Again!)

Filed under: Study — @ April 16, 2007

After blogging about the preliminary findings of a study comparing low-carb weight loss with a low-fat, portion-controlled diet in October 2005, I am pleased to share with you the findings of this study that was published in the March 2007 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Lead researcher Dr. Kevin C. Maki, investigator at the Chicago, IL-based Radiant Research, observed 86 study participants over an initial 12-week period and then for an additional 24 weeks thereafter and split them into one of two dietary groups: A reduced-glycemic load (RGL) diet group and a traditional low-fat, portion-controlled diet group (LFPC).

The RGL group was specifically told to eat until they were satisfied, maintain a low-carb dietary intake for the first two weeks (simulating the Induction phase of the Atkins diet), and then to start adding low-glycemic-index carbohydrate afterwards. The LFPC group was the control in the study and were told to lower their fat intake and portion sizes aiming for an energy deficit of 500-800 calories/day.

At the end of 12 weeks, the RGL group had lost nearly twice as much weight (10.8 pounds) as the LFPC group (5.5 pounds). Additionally, the RGL group lost MORE THAN DOUBLE the amount of fat (4.2 pounds) as the LFPC group (2 pounds). But then the numbers leveled off from there through 36 weeks for both groups.

On the heels of the Stanford JAMA study last month, Dr. Maki concluded that the low-carb RGL diet is “a reasonable alternative to a low-fat, portion-controlled eating plan for weight management.” WOW! Now we’re talking!

Click here to learn more about Dr. Kevin Maki’s study and what I believe it should mean regarding dietary recommendations coming from our government.