Low Carbohydrate and Mediterranean Diets are Best for Weight Loss
December 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Finding the right diet to slim down has been the problem for a good number of Americans. What added to the perplexity is the inability of scientists to agree on the most effective weight-loss diet. A group of Israeli, German and American researchers bonded together and conducted a two year study participated by 322 moderately overweight, middle-aged adults. They found out that low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets were superior when it comes to long-term weight loss and weight maintenance.
In the study, they compared different sets of diets: low-fat diets, low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets. Blood cholesterol levels were most favorable in the low-carbohydrate and low fat diet groups. On the other hand, there is a decrease in the markers of inflammation among the Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate group.
Diabetics eating the Mediterranean diets gained a favorable blood sugar regulation. Also, the Mediterranean diet group illustrated the steadiest pattern for weight-loss and weight maintenance.
Public health will greatly benefit from this study. Of course, on the dieter’s end, diets only work if you follow them.
Source: New England Journal of Medicine, 359:229-241, 2008
