Macro partitioning
A very low carbohydrate-low protein (VLCLP) diet is the most effective macronutrient ratio for weight loss compared to a moderate fat-low protein (MFLP) control diet, achieving a mean weight loss of 4.10 kg.
If your primary goal is weight loss, a diet very low in carbohydrates (≤30% of calories) and low in protein (≤30% of calories) appears more effective than high-protein low-carb diets. This approach outperforms standard moderate-fat diets. Ensure you are overweight or obese, as results in normal-weight individuals are not well-established.
The very low carbohydrate–low protein (VLCLP, MD −4.10 kg, 95% CrI −6.70 to −1.54)... dietary groups might lead to weight loss compared with the moderate fat–low protein (MFLP) dietary group.
Why this rating
High certainty evidence via CINeMA, though based on RCTs with some heterogeneity.
Source
Comparison with Dietary Groups of Various Macronutrient Ratios on Body Weight and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Yiling Lou et al. · Nutrients · 2025
DOI 10.3390/nu17162683
More from this paper
- A Moderate Carbohydrate-Low Protein (MCLP) diet is the most effective macronutrient ratio for reducing triglycerides compared to a moderate fat-low protein (MFLP) control diet.Moderate
- There is no significant difference between various macronutrient dietary groups (VLCLP, MCLP, MCHP, etc.) in their ability to lower blood glucose, blood pressure, or total cholesterol compared to a moderate fat-low protein (MFLP) control diet.Moderate
Related findings · Macro partitioning
- Total daily protein intake of 1.6 g/kg/day is sufficient for maximizing resistance training-induced muscle gains, with an upper confidence interval of 2.2 g/kg/day.Strong
- Resistance exercise training combined with sufficient dietary protein intake acts synergistically to maximize skeletal muscle hypertrophy, with protein intake saturating around 1.6 g/kg/day for general populations and potentially requiring 2.0-2.2 g/kg/day for resistance-trained individuals.Strong
- Trans fats should be completely eliminated from the diet, as they increase LDL cholesterol, decrease HDL cholesterol, and are directly associated with increased coronary risk.Strong
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