Compared to other diets, low carb diets aid in short term weight loss without negative effects on blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol.
- A low-carb diet appears to be safe and may be associated with short-term weight reduction.
- Atkins, South Beach and Paleo diet are some of the low carb diets which are safe to follow for up to six months.
- Low carb diets have very little evidence on long-term safety and efficacy. When it comes to weight loss, people deciding between low-carb and low-fat diets should know that recent research shows a slight advantage for low-carb diets, according to an article published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. Dr. Heather Fields, MD, an internal medicine physician at Mayo Clinic in Arizona and lead researcher on this study reviewed articles from January 2005 to April 2016, to address potential adverse effects and overall safety of low-carb diets (LCDs). Diets that heavily restrict carbohydrates often lead to greater consumption of meats--some of which have been implicated in worsened all-cause mortality and increased cancer risk.
- Heather Fields et al., Are Low-Carbohydrate Diets Safe and Effective?, The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (2016), doi:10.7556/jaoa.2016.154.
Fruits, Vegetables for Healthy Weight Loss
For healthy weight loss, focus on consuming low-calorie foods such as fruits and vegetables because food items that are low in energy density help you lose weight faster.
For healthy weight loss, focus on consuming low-calorie foods such as fruits and vegetables because food items that are low in energy density help you lose weight faster.
‘Diets that heavily restrict carbohydrates often lead to greater consumption of meats, some of which increase the risk of cancer and mortality.’
Findings show that LCDs did show short-term efficacy in weight loss without negative effects on blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol, compared with other diets while available studies did not consistently address the source or quality of proteins and fats consumed in LCDs. Physicians from the Mayo Clinic in Arizona found LCDs, including Atkins, South Beach and Paleo, to be safe for up to six months. Depending on the diet, participants lost between two and a half to almost nine more pounds than those who followed a low fat diet.
"The best conclusion to draw is that adhering to a short-term low-carb diet appears to be safe and may be associated with weight reduction," said Dr. Fields.
Anti-Quick Fix Weight Loss
Trying to lose weight? Weight loss is not a race or a competition against time but a lifestyle modification. Try out some simple tips for losing weight in smart way.
Trying to lose weight? Weight loss is not a race or a competition against time but a lifestyle modification. Try out some simple tips for losing weight in smart way.
Fields said, "Physicians must keep in mind that the literature is surprisingly limited, considering the popularity of these diets and the claims of health benefits in the public press. Our review found no safety issues identified in the current literature, but patients considering LCDs should be advised there is very little data on long-term safety and efficacy."
Advertisement
Diet and Nutrition for Healthy Weight Loss
Correct diet and a planned exercise regime is the mantra of healthy and sustainable weight loss.
Correct diet and a planned exercise regime is the mantra of healthy and sustainable weight loss.
Dr. Tiffany Lowe-Payne, DO, an osteopathic family physician, acknowledges that carbohydrates are a mainstay of most people's diets and, after six months, weight loss is virtually the same as for people on a low-fat diet. However, she noted low-carb diets deliver early benefits for patients trying to lower their blood sugar levels or manage insulin resistance.
Advertisement
Carbohydrates and Weight Loss
Different diets emphasise different levels of carbohydrate restriction. And some diets claim carbohydrate to be the villain of their weight loss program.
Different diets emphasise different levels of carbohydrate restriction. And some diets claim carbohydrate to be the villain of their weight loss program.
"As an osteopathic physician, I tell patients there is no one size fits all approach for health. Factors like the patient's genetics and personal history should be considered, along with the diet programs they've tried before and, most importantly, their ability to stick to them," said Dr. Lowe-Payne.
Reference
Source-Medindia
