New Low Fat versus Low Carb Diet Study – when a tie is not a win

A new one-year study from Stanford University[1] was released February 20, 2018 and reports that low carb diets are no better than low fat diets for losing weight. On one hand, such a conclusion seems like progress when the debate used to be whether low carb diets were “dangerous” – now it’s whether low fat diets are as good as low carb diets.

The conclusion that there was no significant difference in weight loss between a low fat diet and a low carbohydrate diet sounds good on the surface, however closer examination of the methodology indicates that the ‘low carb’ intervention group was only low carb  (≤ 20 g of carbs per day) for the first 8 weeks of a the one year study. After that subjects were instructed to “add carbs back in until they reached the lowest level they believed they could maintain indefinitely. This resulted in subjects in the ‘low carb group’ eating ~100 g carbs per day at 3 months and at the end of the study were averaging 130 g carbs per day ; hardly a ‘low carb’ diet!

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) in its Clinical Practice Recommendations [3] and  Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes [4]  already approves of a 130 g / day intake of carbohydrate as a weight-loss option for those with Type 2 Diabetes in what it calls a ‘low carbohydrate’ diet (more in this article).

The ‘low fat’ intervention group in this study ate an almost equivalent amount of fat and carbohydrate (48% carbohydrate and 29% fat) as the standard ‘low fat diet’ recommendation of the American Diabetes Association, so the fact that they didn’t find a difference between the two groups should come as no surprise, given that the ADA has already concluded that both are equally effective for weight loss (see quotations below).

Keep in mind when you read the quotes below, what the American Diabetes Association defines as “a low carbohydrate diet” is 130 g carbohydrate per day, which is the same as the average intake of carbohydrates at a year in this study. The amount of 130 g carbs per day is a moderate-low carbohydrate diet when compared with the the intake of the first 8 weeks in the study (≤ 20 g carbs / day) and in light of the fact that the average adult US intake is almost 300 g carbs per day.

”The evidence is clear that both low-carbohydrate* [i.e. moderate low carbohydrate] and low-fat calorie restricted diets result in similar weight loss at one year. We’re not endorsing either of these weight-loss plans over any other method of losing weight.  What we want health care providers to know is that it’s important for patients to choose a plan that works for them, and that the health care team support their patients’ weight loss efforts and provide appropriate monitoring of patients’ health.”

– Dr. Ann Albright, RD, President, Health Care & Education, American Diabetes Association, Clinical Practice Recommendations [3]

“For weight loss, either low-carbohydrate* [i.e. moderate low carbohydrate] or low-fat calorie-restricted diets may be effective in the short-term (up to 1 year).”

– Summary of 

In actuality, this “new study” didn’t find anything “new”.

Both the ‘low fat’ and ‘low carb’ [i.e. moderate low carb] groups were instructed to “avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates” but the absolute level of carbohydrate in the ‘low fat’ diet group was not held constant. The
‘low fat’ group actually lowered its carbohydrate intake over the course of the year-long study – from ~242 g carbohydrate per day at the beginning to between 205 g and 213 g carbohydrate per day. This means that the difference  between the two study groups when it came to the level of carbohydrate was decreasing. No wonder there was no significant difference found.

DIETFITS – carbohydrate intake between groups

Final thoughts…

This was not really a study between a ‘low carbohydrate’ diet and a ‘low fat’ diet with fixed grams per day of carbohydrates in each group. This was a study between a flexible moderate carbohydrate diet and a flexible moderately-low carbohydrate diet.

In fact, this “new study” ended up comparing the two diets that have already been approved by the American Diabetes Association and which the ADA has already concluded that neither is more effective than the other for weight loss.

Hardly new.

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References

  1. Gardner CD, Trepanowski JF, Del Gobbo LC, Hauser ME, Rigdon J, Ioannidis JPA, Desai M, King AC. Effect of Low-Fat vs Low-Carbohydrate Diet on 12-Month Weight Loss in Overweight Adults and the Association With Genotype Pattern or Insulin Secretion – The DIETFITS Randomized Clinical TrialJAMA. 2018;319(7):667—679.
  2. American Diabetes Association, Adjusting the Meal Plan, http://www.diabetes.org/mfa-recipes/2017-07-adjusting-the-meal-plan.html
  3. Dairman T., Diabetes Self-Management, ADA’s New Guidelines OK Low-Carb Diets for Weight Loss, 2008 Jan 7,  www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/adas-new-guidelines-ok-low-carb-diets-for-weight-loss/

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Low Fat Calorie Restricted Diet versus Low Carbohydrate Diet – a two year study

INTRODUCTION: To date, there have been 3 long-term clinical trials (2 years) published over the past 10 years involving ”low carb diets”.  In this post I review the third study which compares the effects of a low fat calorie restricted diet compared with a low carbohydrate diet and finding significantly better lipids at 1 year, before carbs were liberalized.

Purpose and Overview of the Study

The purpose of this randomized, controlled trial was to evaluate the long-term (2-year) effects of treatment with either a low-carbohydrate or low-fat, calorie-restricted diet on weight, cardiovascular risk factors, and bone mineral density — with the primary outcome being weight loss at 2 years.

All participants received comprehensive behavioral treatment to enhance weight loss associated with both diets and assessments were conducted at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 and 24 months.

Inclusion Criteria

Primary inclusion criteria were age of 18 to 65 years, Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 to 40 kg/ (m) x (m) and body weight less than 136 kg (300 pounds).

Exclusion Criteria

Exclusion criteria were participants with serious medical illnesses such as Type 2 Diabetes, lipid-lowering medications for dyspidemia, medications that affect body weight (including anti-obesity agents), blood pressures of 140/90 mm Hg or more (regardless of whether it was treated), and  pregnancy  or lactation.

Participants

A total of 307 adults (208 women and 99 men) with a mean age of 45.5 years and a mean Body Mass Index of 36.1 kg /(m) x (m) participated in this study.

Most (74.9%) participants were white; 22.1% were African American and 3% were of other race or ethnicity.

After a scripted phone screening, eligible participants attended an in-person screening during which the study’s purpose and requirements were discussed, eligibility confirmed and written informed consent was obtained.

Using a random-number generator, researchers randomly assigned participants (within each of 3 sites) to either a low carbohydrate treatment for 2 years, or a low fat calorie restricted diet for 2 years.

All participants completed a comprehensive medical examination and routine blood tests. There were no statistically significant differences between the two diet groups in any baseline variables.

The study, including recruitment and enrollment took place from March 2003 to June 2007.

Low Carbohydrate Diet

Approximately half of the participants (n = 153) were assigned to a low carbohydrate diet, which limited carbohydrate intake but allowed unrestricted consumption of fat and protein.

First 12 weeks of treatment

During the first 12 weeks of treatment, participants were instructed to limit carbohydrate intake to 20 g / day in the form of low—glycemic index vegetables.

After 12 weeks on very low carbohydrates

After the first 12 weeks, participants gradually increased carbohydrate intake each week by 5 g / day per week by consuming more vegetables, a limited amount of fruits, small quantities of whole grains and dairy products, until a stable and desired weight was achieved.

Subjects followed the guidelines outlined in Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution, but were not provided with a copy of the book.

Participants were instructed to focus on limiting carbohydrate intake and to eat foods rich in fat and protein until they were satisfied.

The primary behavioral target was to limit carbohydrate intake.

Low-Fat Calorie Restricted Diet

Approximately half of the participants (n= 154) were assigned to eat a low fat diet which limited energy to 1200 to 1500 kcal / day for women and 1500 to 1800 kcal / day for men.

Approximately 55% of calories came from carbohydrate, 30% from fat and 15% from protein (comparable to the recommendations of Canada’s Food Guide for Healthy Living).

Participants were instructed to limit calorie intake, with a focus on decreasing fat intake, however limiting overall energy intake (kcal / day) was the primary behavioral target.

Group Behaviour Treatment

All participants received comprehensive, in-person group behavioral treatment weekly for 20 weeks, every other week for 20 weeks and then every other month for the remainder of the 2-year study period.

Each treatment session lasted 75 to 90 minutes.

Topics included self-monitoring, stimulus control and relapse management.

Group sessions reviewed participants’ completion of their eating and activity records, as well as other skill builders.

Participants in both groups were instructed to take a daily multivitamin supplement (provided by the study).

Physical Activity

All participants were prescribed the same level of physical activity (mainly walking), beginning at week 4, with four sessions of 20 minutes each and progressing by week 19 to four sessions of 50 minutes each.

Outcomes and Measurements

Body Weight— measured at each treatment visit on calibrated scales while participants wore light clothing and no shoes. The primary outcome was weight at 2 years.

Height — measured by a stadiometer at baseline.

The following measurements were collected at baseline and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months:

Serum Lipoproteins — measured plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations were directly measured by β-quantification. Blood samples were obtained after participants fasted overnight (12 hours).

Blood Pressure— assessed after participants were sitting quietly for 5 minutes and using automated instruments with cuff sizes based on measured arm circumference.  Two readings of blood
pressure were obtained, separated by a 1-minute rest period with the average of the two readings used.

Urine Ketones— Bayer Ketostix were used to measure fasting urinary ketones and were characterized as negative (0 mg/dL) or positive (trace, 5 mg/dL; small, 15 mg/dL; moderate, 40 mg/dL; or large, 80 to 160 mg/dL).

Bone Mineral Density and Body Composition (percentage of body fat)—assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and at 6, 12 and 24 months.

Attrition—There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of attrition; defined as not undergoing an assessment at a specific time point, independent of the reason.

Results

Body Weight— participants in both groups lost approximately 11% of initial weight at 6 and 12 months, with subsequent weight regain to a 7% weight loss at 2 years . There was no statistically significant differences in weight loss at any time point between the low carbohydrate and low-fat calorie restricted groups, although there was a strong trend for greater weight loss in the low-carbohydrate group at 3 months.

Urinary Ketones—percentage of participants who had positive test results for urinary ketones was greater in the low carbohydrate than in the low fat calorie restricted group at 3 months (63% vs. 20%) and at 6 months (28% vs. 9%). Researchers found no statistically significant differences between groups after 6 months and they noted that the decrease from 3 to 24 months is consistent with liberalization of carbohydrate intake over time, as part of the study protocol.

Blood Pressure—Systolic blood pressure decreased with weight loss in both diet groups relative to baseline and did not significantly differ between groups at any time.  Reductions in diastolic pressure were significantly greater (2 to 3 mm Hg) in the low carbohydrate than in the low-fat group at 3 and 6 months with a strong trend at 24 months.

Plasma Lipid Concentrations—Most of the differences in plasma lipid concentrations between the two groups were observed during the first 6 months of the diets.

LDL cholesterol: Researchers found a significantly greater decrease in LDL cholesterol levels at 3 and 6 months in the low-fat calorie restricted group than in the low carbohydrate group, but this difference did not persist at 12 or 24 months. There may be reasons for this, discussed below.

Triglyceride levels: Decreases in triglyceride levels were greater in the low-carbohydrate group than in the low-fat calorie restricted group at 3 and 6 months, but not at 12 or 24 months.

VLDL cholesterol: Decreases in VLDL cholesterol levels were significantly greater in the low-carbohydrate group than in the low-fat calorie restricted group at 3, 6, and 12 months but not at 24 months.

HDL cholesterol: Increases in HDL cholesterol levels were significantly greater in the low-carbohydrate group than in the low-fat calorie restricted group at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months.

Total-cholesterol : HDL cholesterol: The ratio of total-cholesterol to HDL cholesterol levels decreased significantly in both groups through 24 months but did not significantly differ between groups at any time. There was a trend for greater reductions in the low-carbohydrate group at 6 months and 12 months.

Summary:

The only effect on plasma lipid concentrations that persisted at 2 years was the significantly greater increases in HDL cholesterol levels among low-carbohydrate participants.

Bone Mineral Density and Body Composition:

Researchers found no differences between the two groups in changes in bone mineral density or body composition over 2 years.

Findings

  1. Neither dietary fat nor carbohydrate intake influenced
    weight loss when combined with a comprehensive lifestyle intervention.  That is, participants had similar and clinically significant weight losses with either a low carbohydrate or low-fat calorie restricted diet at 1 year (11%) and 2 years (7%). Researchers concluded that this demonstrates that either diet
    can be used to achieve successful long-term weight loss. if coupled with behavioral treatment.
  2. Researchers concluded that because both diet groups achieved nearly identical weight loss, a low-carbohydrate diet has greater beneficial long-term effects on HDL cholesterol concentrations
    than a low-fat calorie restricted diet.
  3. While researchers found a significantly greater decrease in LDL cholesterol levels at 3 and 6 months in the low-fat calorie restricted group than in the low-carbohydrate group, this difference did not persist at 12 or 24 months. Researchers  concluded that since assessment of LDL cholesterol concentration was without information on LDL particle size, no information was obtained in terms of coronary heart disease risk (small, dense LDL particles are more atherogenic than large LDL particles).
  4. The low-carbohydrate diet caused a decrease in plasma triglyceride concentration that was more than double the reduction observed with a low-fat calorie restricted diet at 3, 6, and 12 months however plasma triglyceride concentration returned toward baseline in the low-carbohydrate
    group, such that the two groups did not differ significantly at 2 years.
    [Note: The rise in triglycerides after desired weight was achieved may have been the result of the liberalization of the low carbohydrate diet by the inclusion of fruit, dairy and small amounts of whole grains which may have been responsible for driving triglyceride levels up.]
  5. The greater decline in directly measured VLDL cholesterol concentration in the low-carbohydrate at 3, 6, and 12 months was not sustained at 2 years. Researchers found no significant differences between the two groups in VLDL cholesterol. Researchers concluded that the close relationship and tracking  between fasting plasma triglyceride concentrations (which are primarily contained within VLDL) and VLDL cholesterol  concentrations supports a model in which during the first year of the study the low-carbohydrate diet (a) decreased hepatic VLDL secretion, (b) enhanced VLDL clearance, or both when compared with the low-fat calorie restricted diet.
    [Note: Again, the liberalization of the low carbohydrate diet after  desired weight was reached and the inclusion of fruit, dairy and small amounts of whole grains into the diet may have been responsible.]
  6. Plasma HDL cholesterol concentration increased by approximately 20% at 6 months in the low-carbohydrate diet group, which persisted throughout the study and was more than twice the increase observed in the low-fat calorie restricted diet group. Researchers concluded that the magnitude of the change observed in the low-carbohydrate diet group approximates that obtained with the maximal doses of nicotinic acid (niacin), the most
    effective HDL-raising pharmacologic intervention that was available at the time of the study (2010).

Conclusion

This 2-year, randomized control study of more than 300 participants found that both diet groups achieved clinically significant and nearly identical weight loss (11% at 6 months and 7% at 24 months) and that people who ate the low-carbohydrate diet had greater 24-month increases in HDL-cholesterol concentrations than those who ate a low-fat calorie restricted diet.

As well, an significant finding of this study was a very favourable lowering of LDL for the first 6 months and lowering of both TG and VLDL for the first year. It is unknown whether these results would have persisted and been sustained had the low carb group not been permitted to liberalize their diet by the inclusion of fruit, dairy and small amounts of grain products, once they achieved their desired weight loss.

These long-term data certainly provide evidence that a low-carbohydrate diet is both a safe and effective option for weight loss and that this style of eating has a prolonged, positive effect on lipid profiles – certainly while intake of carb-containing foods are restricted.

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References

Foster GD, Wyatt HR, Hill JO et al, Weight and metabolic outcomes after 2 years on a low-carbohydrate versus low-fat diet: a randomized trial, Ann Intern Med. 2010 Aug 3;153(3):147-57