Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets as effective alternatives to low-fat diets

In this 2-year trial, 322 moderately obese subjects were randomly assigned to one of three diets: low-fat, restricted-calorie; Mediterranean, restricted-calorie; low-carbohydrate, non-restricted-calorie. The rate of adherence to the study diet was 95.4% following one year and 84.6% at the end of 2 years. The mean weight loss was 2.9 kg for the low-fat group, 4.4 kg for the Mediterranean-diet group, and 4.7 kg for the low-carbohydrate group. The relative reduction in the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio was 20% in the low-carbohydrate group compared to 12% in the low-fat group. Among the 36 subjects presenting with diabetes, changes in fasting glucose and insulin levels were more favourable in the Mediterranean diet group as compared to the low-fat diet group. Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets may be effective alternatives to low-fat diets, especially when personal preferences and metabolic considerations are at play.

Abstract

Keywords:
Blood glucose – Cholesterol – Diabetes – Dietary intervention – HDL cholesterol – Obesity