Although many dietary methods can lead to weight loss, a recent study found that high carbohydrate diets with a low glycemic index may be the ideal for weight loss and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors.   

A recent study compared the relative effects of several diet methods on weight loss and cardiovascular risk.  A total of 129 overweight or obese young adults were assigned to 1 of 4 reduced-fat, high-fiber diets for 12 weeks.  Diets 1 and 2 were high carbohydrate (55% of total calories), with diet 1 carbohydrates being high-glycemic and diet 2 being low-glycemic.  Diets 3 and 4 were high protein (25% of total calories), with high and low glycemic index carbohydrates respectively.  The glycemic load was the highest in diet 1 and the lowest in diet 4.  Changes in body composition and blood chemistries were then studied.  The average weight loss from each group was similar, but those on diets 2 and 3 lost approximately 80% more fat mass than those on diet 1.  LDL cholesterol levels declined significantly in diet group 2, but increased in diet group 3.  Therefore, both high-protein and low-GI diets increase body fat loss, but cardiovascular risk reduction is enhanced by a high- carbohydrate, low-GI diet (diet 2). 

Arch Intern Med 2006 Jul 24;166(14):1466-75

Source: USANA Health Sciences

[tags]diet, weight loss, glycemic, cardiovascular[/tags]

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