Low-Carbohydrate Diets: Do They Work?

Friday, October 03, 2003

ROCHESTER, Minn. — The Atkins diet, the Zone diet, the Carbohydrate Addict's Diet. Are these diets the secret to losing weight?

These diets focus on limiting carbohydrates — grains, beans, fruits, rice, potatoes, pasta and starchy vegetables. And, the Atkins diet allows you to eat as much meat, eggs, cheese, butter and cream as you want. Follow it and you'll likely lose weight quickly, probably faster than people following a low-calorie diet. How can that be?

Researchers believe that weight loss from a low-carbohydrate diet comes largely from a loss of water and muscle. When you don't have enough carbohydrates, your body begins to burn stored carbohydrates for energy, which releases a lot of water weight. The body then breaks down lean body tissues in an effort to provide glucose for energy and brain function.

But fast weight loss doesn't make it an effective or safe diet, says the October issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. Dieters who stick with either a traditional low-calorie diet or a low-carbohydrate diet have similar results over the long term. And there's no research on the long-term health effects of a low-carbohydrate diet.

Bottom line: Be wary of diets that promise a quick fix. While the traditional approach to weight loss — cutting calories, eating more fruits and veggies, and increasing exercise — isn't quick, it is a proven path to improved health and lasting weight control.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Carol Lammers
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Erik Kaldor
904-953-2299

Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Anne Tewksbury
480-301-4368

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

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