Weight loss intervention trial comparing intermittent low carbohydrates versus continuous Mediterranean diet
Abstract
Intermittent low carbohydrate diet (ILCD) may result in greater overall weight loss and body fat % than a daily restricted Mediterranean diet (DRMD). Overweight women (BMI 25kg/m2 - <32.4kg/m2) (n 85) aged 25- 65 years on healthy women not on any medication were randomised to a continuous 25% daily energy restriction in both groups, to either a DRMD (7d/ week) or ILCD (<20% carbohydrates for 2d/ week consecutively then follow a DRMD 5d/week) for a twelve week weight- loss period. Body fat % reduced with the DRMD (median -2.9kg (95% CI: -2.6, -2.1) and the ILCD diet (median -2.9kg (95% CI: -2.3, -2.0). Reductions were not significantly different between the two diets. Reductions in weight loss in the DRMD (median -1.7kg (95% CI: -1.6, -0.1) and ILCD (median -1.0kg (95% CI: -1.5, -1.0) between groups also showed no statistical difference. Waist reduction in the DRMD (mean -5.7cm (95% CI: -5.8, - 40 5.5) and in the ILCD (mean -5.6cm (95% CI: -3.6, -5.8) with greater reductions in the DRMD compared to the ILCD group was significant (mean -0.1cm (95% CI: -2.2, -0.3, P= 0.04). Hip reduction in the DRMD (median -4.3cm (95% CI: -4.6, -4.2) and in the ILCD (median -3.7cm (95% CI: -4.6, -1.2) with greater reductions in the DRMD compared to ILCD group was also significant (median -0.6cm (95 CI: -0.0, -3.0, P= 0.02). Both diets overall are just as effective and there is no evidence that ILCD is superior for fat loss than a DRMD. In the short term DRMD is comparable to ILCD with respect to waist (P = 0.04) and hip circumference (P = 0.02). Drop out rate was low (11%) compared to previous studies (22%- 25%). Long- term studies into the effectiveness and adherence to the ILCD diet are warranted and rejects both hypotheses.Citation
Todd, S. (2015). Weight loss intervention trial comparing intermittent low carbohydrates versus continuous Mediterranean diet. (Master's thesis). University of Chester, United Kingdom.Publisher
University of ChesterType
Thesis or dissertationLanguage
enCollections
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