Author:
Sun Jia,Ruan Yuting,Xu Ningning,Wu Peili,Lin Nie,Yuan Kun,An Shengli,Kang Pei,Li Shu,Huang Qiya,Yingzhang ,Li Yuzhong,Su Jialin,Ma Wenjun,Chen Bo,Zhang Xiuwei,Chen Xiaoming,Liang Yongqian,Lu Zeyuan,Deng Guobao,Zhang Zhen,Wang Yuqin,Wen Weiheng,Zhang Huijie,Chen Hong
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Both low‐carbohydrate (LC) and calorie-restricted (CR) diets have been shown to have metabolic benefits. However, the two regimens have yet to be thoroughly compared. We conducted a 12-week randomized trial to compare the effects of these diets separately and in combination on both weight loss and metabolic risk factors in overweight/obese individuals.
Methods
A total of 302 participants were randomized to LC diet (n = 76), CR diet (n = 75), LC + CR diet (n = 76), or normal control (NC) diet (n = 75) using a computer-based random number generator. The primary outcome was the change in body mass index (BMI). The secondary outcomes included body weight, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat, and metabolic risk factors. All participants attended health education sessions during the trial.
Results
A total of 298 participants were analyzed. BMI change over 12 weeks was − 0.6 (95% CI, − 0.8 to − 0.3) kg/m2 in NC, − 1.3 (95% CI, − 1.5 to − 1.1) kg/m2 in CR, − 2.3 (95% CI, − 2.6 to − 2.1) kg/m2 in LC, and − 2.9 (95% CI, − 3.2 to − 2.6) kg/m2 in LC + CR. LC + CR diet was more effective than LC or CR diet alone at reducing BMI (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, compared with the CR diet, the LC + CR diet and LC diet further reduced body weight, waist circumference, and body fat. Serum triglycerides were significantly reduced in the LC + CR diet group compared with the LC or CR diet alone. Plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and cholesterol concentrations (total, LDL, and HDL) did not change significantly between the groups during the 12-week intervention.
Conclusions
The reduction of carbohydrate intake without restricting caloric intake is more potent to achieve weight loss over 12 weeks when compared to a calorie-restricted diet in overweight/obese adults. The combination of restricting carbohydrate and total calorie intake may augment the beneficial effects of reducing BMI, body weight, and metabolic risk factors among overweight/obese individuals.
Trial registration
The study was approved by the institutional review board of Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University and registered at the China Clinical Trial Registration Center (registration number: ChiCTR1800015156).
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province for Distinguished Young Scholars
Guangzhou Science and Technology Project
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC