Research

Macro partitioning

Low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) and low-fat diets (LFDs) result in equivalent weight loss when caloric restriction is matched, though LCDs may be preferred for patients with insulin resistance.

Whether you choose low-carb or low-fat, the key is sticking to a calorie deficit. If you have insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, a low-carb approach might offer additional metabolic benefits, but for general weight loss, both are equally effective if calories are matched.

GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
a compilation of relevant studies done by an expert panel in 2013 concluded that consumption of a carbohydrate-restricted diet resulted in equivalent weight loss as a low-fat diet with comparable calorie restriction [55].
Jan Aaseth et al. · Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy · 2021

Why this rating

Supported by multiple RCTs and meta-analyses cited in the paper.

Source

Diets and drugs for weight loss and health in obesity – An update

Jan Aaseth et al. · Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy · 2021

narrative_reviewCited 174×
Read the paper

This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →