Energy balance
A strict low-carbohydrate diet (approx. 20g carbs/day) in obese patients with type 2 diabetes causes significant weight loss primarily through spontaneous reduction in caloric intake, rather than increased metabolic expenditure or water loss.
If you have type 2 diabetes and are obese, switching to a strict low-carb diet (around 20g carbs/day) for two weeks can help you lose weight. You don't need to count calories or exercise more; your body naturally reduces the amount of food you eat. This leads to fat loss without needing to increase your energy expenditure. Note: This was a short-term study, so long-term effects are not confirmed.
On the low-carbohydrate diet, mean energy intake decreased from 3111 kcal/d to 2164 kcal/d. The mean energy deficit of 1027 kcal/d (median, 737 kcal/d) completely accounted for the weight loss of 1.65 kg in 14 days.
Why this rating
Small sample size (n=10) and short duration (14 days), but rigorous inpatient metabolic ward design.
Source
Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Appetite, Blood Glucose Levels, and Insulin Resistance in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Guenther Boden et al. · Annals of Internal Medicine · 2005
DOI 10.7326/0003-4819-142-6-200503150-00006
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