The effects of a low-fat versus a low carbohydrate diet in obese adults

Background and objective: The aim of our study was to compare the effect of a high fat and a high protein diet vs a fat restricted diet on weight loss in obese patients. Subjects and methods: A population of 74 obesity non diabetic outpatients was analyzed in a prospective way. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups: a) diet I (low fat diet: 1500 kcal/day, 52% carbohydrates, 20% proteins, 27% fats) with a distribution of fats and b) diet It (high fat and high protein diet: 1507 kcal/day, 38% carbohydrates, 26% proteins, 36% fats). After three months with diet, weight, blood pressure, glucose, C reactive protein, insulin, insulin resistance, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were evaluated. Results: There were randomized 35 patients (4 males and 31 females) in the group I and 39 patients (6 males and 33 females) in diet group II. In group I, systolic pressure, BMI, weight, fat free mass, fat mass total body water, intracellular body water and waist circumference decreased significantly. In group 11, glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, systolic blood, BMI, weight, fat mass, total body water and waist circumference decreased significantly. Differences among averages of parameters before treatment with both diets were not detected. Conclusions: No differences were detected on weight loss between a fat-restricted diet and a high fat and high protein enhanced diet. (C) 2007 Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.