Comparison of four diets of varying glycemic load on weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction

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