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Vol 35, (8) 561 - 656 August 2006

The science behind weight loss diets - A brief review

Peter Clifton MBBS, BMedSci, MRCP, FRACP, PhD, is Professor of Medicine, University of Adelaide and CSIRO Human Nutrition, Adelaide, South Australia.

BACKGROUND
Controversy surrounds both the Atkins diet and moderate carbohydrate, high protein diets.

OBJECTIVE
This article undertakes a brief review of the evidence for efficacy and possible harmful effects of various popular diets.

DISCUSSION
Low fat diets have been shown to reduce weight at 12 months and have additional benefits of high fibre intake and may reduce the risk of diabetes. However, many people cannot maintain these diets long term so new solutions have been sought. Surprisingly, trials have only appeared over the past 3–4 years evaluating the effects of the Atkins diet, and these have shown weight loss benefits at 6 months, but the benefit is lost by 12 months. Adherence to this regimen is difficult. Problems include constipation from the relatively low fibre intake and a less than expected rise in LDL cholesterol. A moderate carbohydrate, high protein diet has been shown to maintain weight loss at 12 months and beyond, with improvements in cardiovascular risk factors and little risk of long term side effects. Patient choice will depend on dietary preferences and previous experiences with diets. Those with metabolic syndrome might benefit more from carbohydrate restriction.

Publication Date: 5 August 2006
Authorised By: Australian family physician