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Tuesday 7 January 2014

The Low-Carbohydrate Diet and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Evidence from Epidemiologic Studies (Jan 1966 - Nov 2013)

Abstract

Aims

Obesity is an important public health issue because of its high prevalence and concomitant increase in risk of cardiovascular diseases. Low carbohydrate diets are popular for weight loss and weight management but are not recommended in leading guidelines due to the perception that increases in dietary fat intake may lead to an adverse cardiovascular risk profile. To clarify the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet for weight loss on cardiovascular disease risk factors as compared to a low fat diet for weight loss, we systematically reviewed data from randomized controlled clinical trials and large observational studies.

Data Synthesis

We searched the MEDLINE database (Jan 1966 - Nov 2013) to identify studies that examined a low-carbohydrate diet as compared to a low-fat diet for weight loss or the improvement of cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Conclusions

Recent randomized controlled trials document that low-carbohydrate diets not only decrease body weight but also improve cardiovascular risk factors. In light of this evidence from randomized controlled trials, dietary guidelines should be re-visited advocating a healthy low carbohydrate dietary pattern as an alternative dietary strategy for the prevention of obesity and cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Graham

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

The conclusion says it all.

Anne

Anonymous said...

Graham
I have just read this and from what I can access it looks very interesting, as the conclusion points out. Is there any more that I can easily access? It may be I have to pay to view. Am I missing something obvious? Alas it wouldn't be the first time.Thanks.

Paul B

Lowcarb team member said...

Hi Paul
Sorry mate like you I'd love to see beyond the abstract but the cost is prohibitive.

I will have a search for more info maybe I can find more if I do I will publish it.

Regards
Graham