Hormonal
Carbohydrate restriction improves Metabolic Syndrome markers (fasting glucose, insulin, triglycerides, HDL, blood pressure) independently of weight loss, with the underlying mechanism being the control of insulin metabolism.
If you have high triglycerides, high blood sugar, or low HDL, reducing your carbohydrate intake is likely to improve these markers, even if you do not lose weight. This approach targets the underlying insulin resistance associated with Metabolic Syndrome. You do not need to eat excessive amounts of fat; simply reducing carbohydrates is the key lever.
Carbohydrate restriction is one of several strategies for reducing body mass but even in the absence of weight loss or in comparison with low fat alternatives, CHO restriction is effective at ameliorating high fasting glucose and insulin, high plasma triglycerides (TAG), low HDL and high blood pressure.
Why this rating
Based on a review of multiple studies (single-arm and comparative) showing consistent improvements in metabolic markers.
Source
Carbohydrate restriction improves the features of Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome may be defined by the response to carbohydrate restriction
Jeff S. Volek et al. · Nutrition & Metabolism · 2005
DOI 10.1186/1743-7075-2-31
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