A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, set to be published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that the type of low-carbohydrate diet one follows can significantly impact long-term weight management.
The research led by Binkai Liu, a research assistant in the Department of Nutrition, takes a detailed look at how different compositions of low-carbohydrate diets affect health over years.
While many studies have explored the short-term benefits of cutting carbohydrates for weight loss, this study delves into the effects of different types of low-carbohydrate diets on long-term weight gain.
The study utilized data from the Nurses’ Health Study, Nurses’ Health Study II, and Health Professionals Follow-up Study, analyzing the diets and weights of 123,332 healthy adults over a span from as early as 1986 to as recent as 2018. Participants provided updates on their diets and weights every four years.
Researchers categorized low-carbohydrate diets into five types: total low-carbohydrate diet (TLCD), animal-based low-carbohydrate diet (ALCD), vegetable-based low-carbohydrate diet (VLCD), healthy low-carbohydrate diet (HLCD), and unhealthy low-carbohydrate diet (ULCD).
The HLCD emphasized plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and fewer refined carbohydrates, while the ULCD favored animal-based proteins, unhealthy fats, and carbohydrates from sources like processed bread and cereals.
The findings revealed that diets rich in plant-based proteins and fats and healthy carbohydrates were linked to slower long-term weight gain.
In contrast, those following TLCD, ALCD, and ULCD tended to gain more weight over time compared to those adhering to the HLCD.
This pattern was particularly noticeable among younger participants (<55 years old), those who were overweight or obese, and/or less physically active.
However, the results for the vegetable-based low carbohydrate diet (VLCD) were mixed. Data from the Nurses’ Health Study II indicated that higher VLCD scores were associated with less weight gain, but the findings from the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study were inconsistent.
Senior author Qi Sun, an associate professor in the Department of Nutrition, highlights the study’s implications. He points out that not all low-carbohydrate diets have the same effect on managing weight over the long term.
This research could reshape how low-carbohydrate diets are viewed and suggests that public health initiatives should promote dietary patterns emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
In summary, this study underscores the importance of not just reducing carbohydrates but also considering the quality of proteins, fats, and carbs in the diet for effective long-term weight management.Top of FormBottom of Form
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The research findings can be found in JAMA Network Open.
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