Macro partitioning
Low-carbohydrate diets (defined as <20% energy or <40g CHO) produce significantly greater weight loss and triglyceride reduction, but also significantly increase LDL-cholesterol compared to low-fat diets in healthy adults over 6+ months.
If you switch to a low-carb diet (under 20% carbs or <40g/day) for at least 6 months, you will likely lose more weight and lower your triglycerides than if you followed a standard low-fat diet. However, be aware that your LDL cholesterol may rise. For healthy individuals, this trade-off is often acceptable, but those with existing heart disease or high LDL should monitor this closely or consult a doctor.
Compared with participants on LF diets, participants on LC diets experienced a greater reduction in body weight (WMD –2·17 kg; 95 % CI –3·36, –0·99) and TAG (WMD –0·26 mmol/l; 95 % CI –0·37, –0·15), but a greater increase in HDL-cholesterol (WMD 0·14 mmol/l; 95 % CI 0·09, 0·19) and LDL-cholesterol (WMD 0·16 mmol/l; 95 % CI 0·003, 0·33).
Why this rating
Meta-analysis of 11 RCTs with moderate-to-high heterogeneity; risk of bias is mixed but generally low for key outcomes.
Source
Effects of low-carbohydrate diets<i>v</i>. low-fat diets on body weight and cardiovascular risk factors: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Nadia Mansoor et al. · British Journal Of Nutrition · 2015
DOI 10.1017/s0007114515004699
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