Low Carbohydrate Diets

It is important to consider that not all "low carbohydrate diets" are the same. These diets vary greatly in quality and how much carbohydrate, protein and fat they contain. It is important to ensure that the diet information you are getting comes from a credible source.

Low carbohydrate and high protein diets have recently been promoted in the popular literature for weight loss. Books have especially focused on people who have the cluster of disorders known as Syndrome X or the Metabolic Syndrome.

Low carbohydrate diets are not new and have regularly come in and out of fashion. However, there has been no long-term research to how well these diets work in treating obesity and its associated disorders of high blood fats, high blood pressure and insulin resistance.

Some low carbohydrate and high protein diets are of concern because they encourage an excessive intake of saturated fat. There is considerable research evidence to link a high saturated fat diet with increased risk of heart disease and blood vessel damage. Also a low carbohydrate diet can be deficient in fibre and result in constipation. A high protein diet is usually not recommended for people with any degree of kidney impairment or renal disease.

Recent reviews of the available research into low carbohydrate diets indicate that they are effective in reducing body weight for up to six months. There is evidence to suggest that, for some people, low carbohydrate diets are easier to comply with than low fat diets. Also, in the short term, low carbohydrate diets may be more effective in lowering high blood levels of triglycerides than low fat diets.

In this era of a worldwide obesity epidemic it is important not to be distracted by quick fix solutions that appear in the popular press. Making a decision to adopt a healthy lifestyle is most effective when it is approached as a long-term change. Smaller changes that can be sustained are most likely to lead to improved health over time.

There is undisputed evidence that the best way to control and lose body weight and excess body fat is to balance energy intake with energy output. Choosing foods and an eating pattern that help you to reduce the amount of calories you eat, is the simple key to weight loss when combined with being more physically active and generally "moving more".

In summary a lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and a healthy diet, as promoted by the Australian Dietary Guidelines, will reduce risk of diet related disease and promote health.


It is important to consider that weight management can be a very individual process and an Accredited Practising Dietitian can assist you to plan a tailored healthy eating plan that considers the range of proven weight management techniques that meets your personal health and lifestyle requirements.