Mixed
A low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet (initially <20 g carbohydrate/day) produces greater weight loss, greater fat mass loss, and improved triglyceride/HDL lipid profiles compared to a low-fat, reduced-calorie diet over 24 weeks in overweight, hyperlipidemic adults.
Follow a strict low-carbohydrate diet (under 20g carbs daily) for 24 weeks. You will likely lose more weight and fat than if you followed a standard low-fat, calorie-restricted diet. Your triglycerides will likely drop and HDL will rise. Monitor your LDL cholesterol, as it may increase in some individuals, but the overall lipid profile often improves. Expect some initial side effects like constipation or headaches, which may be mitigated by hydration and supplements.
At 24 weeks, weight loss was greater in the low-carbohydrate diet group than in the low-fat diet group (mean change, -12.9% vs. -6.7%; P < 0.001)... Compared with recipients of the low-fat diet, recipients of the low-carbohydrate diet had greater decreases in serum triglyceride levels... and greater increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels...
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with 120 participants, but limited to 24 weeks and with confounding nutritional supplements in the intervention group.
Source
A Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet versus a Low-Fat Diet To Treat Obesity and Hyperlipidemia
William S. Yancy et al. · Annals of Internal Medicine · 2004
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