Mixed

A very-low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat diet (Atkins) produces significantly greater weight loss and more favorable metabolic risk factor changes (triglycerides, HDL-C, blood pressure) over 12 months compared to low-carbohydrate (Zone), low-fat/high-carbohydrate (LEARN), and very-low-fat (Ornish) diets in overweight premenopausal women.

If you are an overweight premenopausal woman looking to lose weight and improve metabolic health, a very-low-carbohydrate diet (like Atkins) may be more effective than low-fat or moderate-low-carb approaches. Focus on keeping carbohydrates very low (under 20-50g/day) initially, prioritizing protein and fat. You do not need to strictly count calories, as adherence to these macronutrient targets often leads to natural caloric reduction and greater weight loss compared to traditional low-fat diets. Monitor your blood pressure and lipids, as this approach tends to improve triglycerides and HDL.