Research
Macro partitioning
A low-carbohydrate diet preserves HDL cholesterol levels better than a conventional low-fat diet in severely obese adults, independent of weight loss.
Switching to a low-carbohydrate diet can help maintain your 'good' HDL cholesterol levels, which tend to drop on low-fat diets. This is a specific metabolic benefit that occurs even if your weight loss is the same as on a low-fat diet.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased less (P < 0.025)... The difference in mean HDL cholesterol response between diet groups remained significant after adjustment for both baseline variables and weight loss (P < 0.028).
Why this rating
RCT with statistical adjustment for weight loss confirms the effect is diet-specific.
Source
The Effects of Low-Carbohydrate versus Conventional Weight Loss Diets in Severely Obese Adults: One-Year Follow-up of a Randomized Trial
Linda Stern et al. · Annals of Internal Medicine · 2004
rct · n=132Cited 810×
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