Low carbohydrate versus isoenergetic balanced diets for reducing weight and cardiovascular risk : a systematic review and meta-analysis
Date
2014-07
Authors
Naude, Celeste E.
Schoonees, Anel
Senekal, Marjanne
Young, Taryn
Garner, Paul
Volmink, Jimmy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Some popular weight loss diets restricting carbohydrates (CHO) claim to be more effective, and have
additional health benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease compared to balanced weight loss diets.
Methods and Findings: We compared the effects of low CHO and isoenergetic balanced weight loss diets in overweight
and obese adults assessed in randomised controlled trials (minimum follow-up of 12 weeks), and summarised the effects on
weight, as well as cardiovascular and diabetes risk. Dietary criteria were derived from existing macronutrient
recommendations. We searched Medline, EMBASE and CENTRAL (19 March 2014). Analysis was stratified by outcomes at
3–6 months and 1–2 years, and participants with diabetes were analysed separately. We evaluated dietary adherence and
used GRADE to assess the quality of evidence. We calculated mean differences (MD) and performed random-effects metaanalysis.
Nineteen trials were included (n = 3209); 3 had adequate allocation concealment. In non-diabetic participants, our
analysis showed little or no difference in mean weight loss in the two groups at 3–6 months (MD 0.74 kg, 95%CI 21.49 to
0.01 kg; I2 = 53%; n = 1745, 14 trials; moderate quality evidence) and 1–2 years (MD 0.48 kg, 95%CI 21.44 kg to 0.49 kg;
I2 = 12%; n = 1025; 7 trials, moderate quality evidence). Furthermore, little or no difference was detected at 3–6 months and
1–2 years for blood pressure, LDL, HDL and total cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose (.914 participants). In
diabetic participants, findings showed a similar pattern.
Conclusions: Trials show weight loss in the short-term irrespective of whether the diet is low CHO or balanced. There is
probably little or no difference in weight loss and changes in cardiovascular risk factors up to two years of follow-up when
overweight and obese adults, with or without type 2 diabetes, are randomised to low CHO diets and isoenergetic balanced
weight loss diets.
Description
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
The original publication is available at http://www.plosone.org
Naude, C. E. et al. 2014. Low carbohydrate versus isoenergetic balanced diets for reducing weight and cardiovascular risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 9(7), e100652, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0100652.
The original publication is available at http://www.plosone.org
Naude, C. E. et al. 2014. Low carbohydrate versus isoenergetic balanced diets for reducing weight and cardiovascular risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 9(7), e100652, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0100652.
Keywords
Low-carbohydrate diet, Reducing diets, Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Nutritional aspects
Citation
Naude, C. E. et al. 2014. Low carbohydrate versus isoenergetic balanced diets for reducing weight and cardiovascular risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 9(7), e100652, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0100652.