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Weight loss and metabolic benefits with diets of varying fat and carbohydrate content: separating the wheat from the chaff

Nature Clinical Practice Endocrinology & Metabolism volume 4, pages 140–146 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

With the rising prevalence of both obesity and diabetes, the contributing role of diet to the prevention and treatment of these conditions has become a major focus of research, clinical practice, and public policy. There has been intense debate over which dietary regimens might be most effective for weight loss, with interest centered on the potential for specific dietary macronutrients to affect body composition, metabolism, and overall health. This Review addresses two regimens with distinct macronutrient prescriptions that have been widely touted as being beneficial for weight loss and/or metabolic profile: diets low in carbohydrate and diets high in monounsaturated fat. Although data from recent randomized, controlled trials suggest these popular diets may be useful for weight control, cardiovascular health, and glycemic control, longer studies of the efficacy and safety of varying macronutrient content are needed to strengthen the evidence base for nutritional recommendations. Until more support for specific macronutrient combinations is available, practitioners can recommend an array of diets with moderate amounts of macronutrients, tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Key Points

  • Although diets with distinct variations in carbohydrate, protein, and fat may offer potential health benefits, long-term clinical trials are needed to test the effectiveness and safety of these diets

  • Until more evidence for specific macronutrient combinations is available, practitioners can recommend an array of diets with moderate amounts of macronutrients, tailored to the needs and preferences of patients

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of our collaborators and research team from our clinical trials: Randy Seeley, Stephen Daniels, Judy Bean, Suzanne Summer, Barbara Lattin, Jane Boback, Lisa Andrews, and Gina Gilchrist. Désirée Lie, University of California, Irvine, CA, is the author of and is solely responsible for the content of the learning objectives, questions and answers of the Medscape-accredited continuing medical education activity associated with this article.

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  1. Division of Endocrinology, BJ Brehm is a Professor in the College of Nursing, and DA D'Alessio is a Professor in the College of Medicine, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,

    Bonnie J Brehm & David A D'Alessio

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Correspondence to Bonnie J Brehm.

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Brehm, B., D'Alessio, D. Weight loss and metabolic benefits with diets of varying fat and carbohydrate content: separating the wheat from the chaff. Nat Rev Endocrinol 4, 140–146 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpendmet0730

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