In a few small weight loss clinical trials, low carbohydrate diet programs have performed reasonably well compared to more established lower fat diets; with better blood sugar (glucose) control and slightly faster weight loss observed. At least in the short term, initial weight loss on low carbohydrate diets has been faster than weight loss on more balanced diets, although some of this may be due to increased water loss.
There are as yet very few clinical studies into the long term weight loss and health effects of low carbohydrate diets. The weight-loss studies that exist are either too small and/or inconclusive. Some studies demonstrate that after 12 months, weight loss is no better on low carbohydrate diets than on more balanced diets, while others show a small weight loss advantage for low carbohydrate diets with better blood glucose control.
At the same time, one study which compared a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet with a lower-fat and two other surgeon-general-type diets, [The effect of High, Moderate and Low Fat Diets on Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Dr R. Fleming, Preventative Cardiology, Summer 2002] revealed that the high-fat, low-carbohydrate plan had negative effects on a number of heart disease health indicators.
More evidence from larger and longer term studies is needed to determine if there are any long-term health benefits and effects of low carbohydrate diets.
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