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Clinical Trial
. 2003 Mar;142(3):253-8.
doi: 10.1067/mpd.2003.4.

Effects of a low-carbohydrate diet on weight loss and cardiovascular risk factor in overweight adolescents

Stephen B Sondike  1 , Nancy Copperman, Marc S Jacobson
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Effects of a low-carbohydrate diet on weight loss and cardiovascular risk factor in overweight adolescents

Stephen B Sondike et al. J Pediatr. 2003 Mar.

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the effects of a low-carbohydrate (LC) diet with those of a low-fat (LF) diet on weight loss and serum lipids in overweight adolescents.

Design: A randomized, controlled 12-week trial.

Setting: Atherosclerosis prevention referral center.

Methods: Random, nonblinded assignment of participants referred for weight management. The study group (LC) (n = 16) was instructed to consume <20 g of carbohydrate per day for 2 weeks, then <40 g/day for 10 weeks, and to eat LC foods according to hunger. The control group (LF) (n = 14) was instructed to consume <30% of energy from fat. Diet composition and weight were monitored and recorded every 2 weeks. Serum lipid profiles were obtained at the start of the study and after 12 weeks.

Results: The LC group lost more weight (mean, 9.9 +/- 9.3 kg vs 4.1 +/- 4.9 kg, P <.05) and had improvement in non-HDL cholesterol levels (P <.05). There was improvement in LDL cholesterol levels (P <.05) in the LF group but not in the LC group. There were no adverse effects on the lipid profiles of participants in either group.

Conclusions: The LC diet appears to be an effective method for short-term weight loss in overweight adolescents and does not harm the lipid profile.

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