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View all100 scientific studies have proven what many people know already - that by following a healthy diet that’s low in carbs, you avoid yo-yo dieting and lose weight quickly. Time and again, scientists have shown that cutting down on carbs allows the body to burn fat rather than store it. Proving that New Atkins is the eating plan to choose if your really want to slim down.
A growing body of scientific research continues to support the principles of New Atkins as a successful approach to losing weight and maintaining weight loss. This research has been funded by a wide variety of respected health organizations, including the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association and the Veterans Healthcare Network to name a few.
Want to learn what the scientific community has discovered about the principles behind Atkins? The below is an overview of some of the 100 studies carried out to date. This information is available at Pub Med and was not written by Atkins professionals.
|
Title |
University/Funding |
Summary |
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Modified Atkins Diet Brought Back The Joy of Life to a Developmentally Severely Disabled Youth |
Paijat-Hame Central Hospital, Neurology and Internal Medicine Clinics/Funding not listed. |
Authors describe a developmentally severely disabled man, whose epilepsy settled, autistic features were alleviated, behavioral problems disappeared and whose weight and blood lipid and glucose values have remained normal for one year during a modified Atkins diet. Read more. |
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Long-term follow-up of children treated with the modified Atkins diet. |
Johns Hopkins University / Funding not listed. |
At their most recent point during the modified Atkins diet (mean 19.9 months), 30 of 54 (55%) children with diet durations of more than 6 months achieved >50% improvement; 19 (35%) were seizure-free. |
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Efficacy of dietary therapy for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy |
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions / Carson Harris Foundation |
The modified Atkins diet was an efficacious adjunctive therapy for young adults with very medically resistant Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. After 1 month, 6 (75%) patients had >50% seizure reduction, and after 3 months, 5 (63%) patients had >50% improvement. |
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Transitioning pediatric patients receiving ketogenic diets for epilepsy into adulthood |
Johns Hopkins University / NIH |
It is important for adolescents with epilepsy receiving ketogenic diets to have transition plans in place for when they become adults. Adult epilepsy diet centers are the ideal option when possible. |
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Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Appetite, Blood Glucose Levels, and Insulin Resistance in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes |
Temple University & University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine/National Institutes of Health & American Diabetes |
In a small group of obese patients with type 2 diabetes, a low-carbohydrate diet followed for 2 weeks resulted in spontaneous reduction in energy intake to a level appropriate to their height; weight loss that was completely accounted for by reduced caloric intake; much improved 24-hour blood glucose profiles, insulin sensitivity, and hemoglobin A1c; and decreased plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels. |
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Clinical Use of a Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet to Treat the Dyslipidemia of the Metabolic Syndrome |
Heritage Medical Pertners, South Carolina/Duke University |
A carbohydrate-restricted diet recommendation led to improvements in lipid profiles and lipoprotein subclass traits of the metabolic syndrome in a clinical outpatient setting, and should be considered as a treatment for the metabolic syndrome. |
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Diet Therapy For Narcolepsy |
Duke University Medical Center/Narcolepsy Network |
The effects of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet (LCKD) on sleepiness and other narcolepsy symptoms were studied. Nine patients with narcolepsy were asked to adhere to the Atkins' diet plan, and their symptoms were assessed using the Narcolepsy Symptom Status Questionnaire (NSSQ). The NSSQ-Total score decreased by 18% from 161.9 to 133.5 (p = 0.0019) over 8 weeks. Patients with narcolepsy experienced modest improvements in daytime sleepiness on an LCKD. |
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Modified Atkins Diet Therapy For a Case With Glucose Transporter Type 1 Deficiency Syndrome |
Tokyo Women's Medical University, Asahikawa Medical College/Funding not listed. |
The modified Atkins diet should be considered for patients with GLUT-1 DS as an alternative to the traditional ketogenic diet. |
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Efficacy of the Atkins Diet as Therapy For Intractable Epilepsy |
The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions/Atkins Foundation |
Six patients were started on the Atkins diet for the treatment of intractable focal and multifocal epilepsy. Five patients maintained moderate to large ketosis for periods of 6 weeks to 24 months; three patients had seizure reduction and were able to reduce antiepileptic medications. This provides preliminary evidence that the Atkins diet may have a role as therapy for patients with medically resistant epilepsy. |
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Modified Atkins Diet for the Treatment of Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus in Children |
Shiga Medical Center for Children, Japan/Funding not listed |
The authors describe the use of a modified Atkins diet for the treatment of 2 children with nonconvulsive status epilepticus. The nonconvulsive status epilepticus disappeared 5 and 10 days after the initiation of the diet treatment, respectively. They have been on the diet treatment and free from nonconvulsive status epilepticus for 19 and 4 months, respectively. The modified Atkins diet appears to be very effective for the treatment of nonconvulsive status epilepticus. |
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A 6-Month, Office-Based, Low-Carbohydrate Diet Intervention in Obese Teens |
Cincinnati Pediatric Research Group, Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio/The Atkins Foundation |
The LCD appears to an effective and practical office-based intervention in obese teenagers. |
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Clinical Experience of a Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet for the Metabolic Syndrome |
Duke University Medical Center/Atkins Foundation |
In this outpatient program, a carbohydrate-restricted diet and a low-fat/low-calorie plus medication led to weigh loss, but the carbohydrate-restricted diet had a more favorable effect on triglycerides and HDL. Because of the side effects on weight, triglycerides, and HDL, a carbohydrate-restricted diet may be useful for the treatment of metabolic syndrome. |
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Clinical Experience of a Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet: Effect on Diabetes Mellitus |
University of Kansas School of Medicine and Duke University Medical Center/Funding not listed. |
Low carbohydrate diets lead to a marked improvement in glucose homeostasis in association with a reduction in antidiabetic therapy and weight loss. |
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Improvement of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease After Initiation of a Low-carbohydrate Diet: Five Brief Case Reports |
Department of Veterans Affairs, North Carolina/Funding not listed. |
Observations from some of these individuals suggest that carbohydrates may be a precipitating factor for GERD symptoms and that other classic exacerbating foods such as coffee and fat may be less pertinent when a low-carbohydrate diet is followed. |
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Relative Intake of Macronutrients Impacts Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia |
Mayo Clinic / National Institute of Health |
A dietary pattern with relatively high caloric intake from carbohydrates and low caloric intake from fat and proteins may increase the risk of MCI or dementia in elderly persons. |
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Systematic review and meta-analysis of different dietary approaches to the management of type 2 diabetes |
Peninsula College of Medicine, UK / No funding for this study |
Low-carbohydrate are as effective as low-GI, Mediterranean, and highproteindiets in improving various markers of cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes and should be considered in the overall strategy of diabetes management. |
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Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials of the effects of low carbohydrate diets on cardiovascular risk factors |
Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, Duke University Medical Center/Funding not listed |
LCD was shown to have favourable effects on body weight and major cardiovascular risk factors. |
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Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies Evaluating The Association of Saturated Fat With Cardiovascular Disease |
Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Harvard School of Public Health/National Dairy Council and National Institutes of Health |
A meta-analysis of prospective epidemiologic studies showed that there is no significant evidence for concluding that dietary saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of CHD or CVD. More data are needed to elucidate whether CVD risks are likely to be influenced by the specific nutrients used to replace saturated fat. |
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Dietary Glycemic Load and Cancer Recurrence and Survival in Patients with Stage III Colon Cancer: Findings From CALGB 89803 |
Dana Farber Cancer Institute / NIH |
Higher dietary glycemic load and total carbohydrate intake were statistically significant associated with an increased risk of recurrence and mortality in stage III colon cancer patients. These findings support the role of energy balance factors in colon cancer progression and may offer potential opportunities to improve patient survival. |
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Tailoring dietary approaches for weight loss |
Stanford University/Funding not listed |
After decades of health professionals promoting a Low-Fat dietary approach for weight loss and weight control, a series of studies conducted in the past decade pitting Low-Fat vs Low-Carb diets have provided evidence that the Low-Fat diet is not a superior approach; a Low-Carb, and possibly a High-Protein, diet is equally, if not modestly more, effective. |
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Will Seizure Control Improve By Switching From The Modified Atkins Diet to The Traditional Ketogenic Diet? |
Johns Hopkins University/Funding not listed. |
A higher incidence of improvement with the KD occurred for those with myoclonic-astatic epilepsy including all who became seizure-free. |
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Danish Study of a Modified Atkins Diet For Medically Intractable Epilepsy in Children: Can We Achieve The Same Results as With The Classical Ketogenic Diet |
Danish Epilepsy Center/Funding not listed. |
The author's experience suggests that the MAD is similarly effective as the KD in reducing seizure frequency in children with medically resistant epilepsy. |
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Saturated Fat, Carbohydrate, and Cardiovascular Disease |
Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, University of California at Davis, Harvard School of Public Health/National Institutes of Health |
The substitution of dietary polyunsaturated fat for saturated fat has been shown to lower CVD risk, there are few epidemiologic or clinical trial data to support a benefit of replacing saturated fat with carbohydrate. Furthermore, particularly given the differential effects of dietary saturated fats and carbohydrates on concentrations of larger and smaller LDL particles, respectively, dietary efforts to improve the increasing burden of CVD risk associated with atherogenic dyslipidemia should primarily emphasize the limitation of refined carbohydrate intakes and a reduction in excess adiposity. |
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A Pilot Trial With Modified Atkins’ Diet in Adult Patients With Refractory Epilepsy |
Ghent University Hospital/Ghent University Hospital |
This pilot study shows that the modified Atkins’ diet is feasible in an adult population, and that seizure frequency reduction is possible. The results need to be confirmed in larger prospective, controlled studies with comparison groups. |
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Urinary Ketones Reflect Serum Ketone Concentration But Do Not Relate to Weight Loss in Overweight Premenopausal Women Following a Low-carbohydrate/High-protein Diet |
Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Virginia State University/Funding not listed. |
Thirteen overweight premenopausal women aged 32 to 45 years consumed <20 g carbohydrate/day with liberal intakes of protein and fat for 2 weeks; thereafter, carbohydrate intake increased 5 g/week for 10 weeks. Serum-hydroxybutyrate was correlated with presence of urinary ketones, but no relationship was found between weekly weight change and serum ketone production. Urinary ketones are detected in premenopausal women complying with a low-carbohydrate/high-protein diet and are associated with serum ketone concentration. |
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Targeting insulin inhibition as a metabolic therapy in advanced cancer: A pilot safety and feasibility dietary trial in 10 patients |
Albert Einstein College of Medicine/SUNY Research Foundation & Atkins Foundation |
Insulin inhibition effected by dietary CHO restriction was found safe and feasible in 10 patients with advanced cancer. |
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A Pilot Study of The Modified Atkins Diet For Sturge–Weber Syndrome |
Johns Hopkins Medical Insitutions/Funding not listed. |
The modified Atkins diet (MAD) is a dietary treatment for epilepsy which does not restrict fluids or calories. This theoretically makes the MAD safer than the ketogenic diet for children with Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS). Five children aged 4–18 years with SWS and at least monthly intractable seizures were started prospectively on the MAD for 6 months. All children had urinary ketosis and seizure improvement, including 3 with >50% seizure reduction. |
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The Effects of a Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet on The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Pilot Study |
Duke University/Atkins Foundation & Veterans Affairs |
In this pilot study, a LCKD led to significant improvement in weight, percent free testosterone, LH/FSH ratio, and fasting insulin in women with obesity and PCOS over a 24 week period. |
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Modified Atkins Diet to Children and Adolescents With Medical Intractable Epilepsy |
Clinic of Child Neurology |
After 3months six out of the fifteen children (40%) had a seizure reduction of more than 50%, which was seen in different epileptic syndromes and different age groups. The responders reported an increase in quality of life and cognition. At 12 months follow-up 3 (20%) continued the diet with an unchanged marked seizure reduction. The present study confirms the high tolerability and effect of the modified Atkins diet on seizure control in AED treatment resistant epilepsy. |
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A Pilot Study of a Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet for Obesity-Related Polycystic Ovary Syndrome |
Duke University/Funding not listed. |
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, and is frequently associated with central obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Because recent evidence demonstrates that a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) leads to weight loss and improvements in insulin sensitivity, we conducted this uncontrolled trial of the diet for PCOS. |
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A Pilot Trial of a Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes |
Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Carolina/Funding not listed. |
The study focused on overweight individuals with BMI >25 and being treated with OHA (oral hypoglycemic agents) or insulin that were placed on a LCKD (low carbohydrate ketogenic diet) for 16 weeks. Anthropometric changes include: Body weight = -10%, BMI = -10%, Waist circumference = -7%, Body fat % = -3%, Systolic BP = -9%, Diastolic BP = -15%, Heart Rate = -12%, HDL = no change. |
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One Year Data From A Prospective Cohort of Low Carbohydrate Dieters |
Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Atkins Foundation |
Most CCARBS participants reported they had: More stable moods on a low carb diet, Better appetite control than with a conventional weight loss diet, Preferred food choices on a lower carb diet compared to a conventional weight loss diet. One year weight changes in CCARBS participants were: 26.5% lost weight; 39.0% maintained their weight; 34.5% gained weight. At one year, 75% of CCARBS participants reported they were still on a low or controlled carbohydrate diet. At baseline, 412 CCARBS participants (16.5%) had kept at least 30lbs off for at least one year. |
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Effect of Low-Carbohydrate, Unlimited Calorie Diet on the Treatment of Childhood Obesity: A Prospective Controlled Study |
Marshall University/Funding not listed |
Obese children following a high protein, low CHO diet (<30g/day) lost an average of 5.21 ± 3.44 kg and decreased their BMI by 2.42 ± 1.3 points, compared to the children in the Low Cal Diet (calorie restricted) who gained an average of 2.36 ± 2.54 kg and 1.00 point on the BMI value. A high protein, low carbohydrate, unlimited calorie diet was superior to a restricted calorie protocol for weight loss in obese school age children; moreover, compliance was better. |
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Prospective Study of the Modified Atkins Diet in Combination With a Ketogenic Liquid Supplement During the Initial Month |
Johns Hopkins Medical Insitution/Johns Hopkins Medical Institution |
This study analyzed the combination of the Modified Atkins Diet and the supplement KetoCal in the treatment of intractible childhood epilepsy. The use of this ketogenic supplement increased daily fat intake and thus the ketogenic ratio but did not change urinary or serum ketosis. The addition of a ketogenic supplement to the modified Atkins diet during its initial month appears to be beneficial. |
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Efficacy and Tolerability of the Modified Atkins Diet in Adults With Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy: A Prospective Observational Study |
Schulick School of Medicine/ University of Ontario |
The Modified Atkins Diet demonstrates modest efficacy as cotherapy for some adults with pharmacoresistant epilepsy and may be also helpful for weight loss. Financial and logistical barriers were significant factors for those who declined enrollment and for those who discontinued the study. |
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Long Term Effects of a Ketogenic Diet in Obese Patients |
Kuwait University/Funding not listed. |
The present study shows the beneficial effects of a long-term ketogenic diet. It significantly reduced the body weight and body mass index of the patients. Furthermore, it decreased the level of triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and blood glucose, and increased the level of HDL cholesterol. Administering a ketogenic diet for a relatively longer period of time did not produce any significant side effects in the patients. Therefore, the present study confirms that it is safe to use a ketogenic diet for a longer period of time than previously demonstrated. |
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Ketogenic Diet Modifies The Risk Factors of Heart Disease in Obese Patients |
Kuwait University/Funding not listed. |
The level of total cholesterol decreased from week 1 to week 12. HDL cholesterol increased significantly, whereas LDL cholesterol decreased significantly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of a ketogenic diet on the activation and modification of heart disease risk factors in obese patients. |
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Use of a Modified Atkins Diet in Intractable Childhood Epilepsy |
Inje University College of Medicine, Korea/Funding not listed |
Six months after diet initiation, seven (50%) remained on the diet, five (36%) had >50% seizure reduction, and three (21%) were seizure free. The diet was well tolerated by 12 (86%) patients. |
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Use of the Modified Atkins Diet in Infantile Spasms Refractory to First-line Treatment |
Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India |
The modified Atkins diet was found to be effective and well tolerated in children with refractory infantile spasms. |
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The National Cholesterol Education Program Diet vs a Diet Lower in Carbohydrates and Higher in Protein and Monounsaturated Fat |
Agatston Research Institute/Agaston Research Institute |
Compared with the NCEP diet, the MLC diet, which is lower in total carbohydrates but higher in complex carbohydrates, protein, and monounsaturated fat, caused significantly greater weight loss over 12 weeks. Weight loss was significantly greater in the Modified Low Carbohydrate (13.6 lb) than in the National Cholesterol Education Program group (7.5 lb), a difference of 6.1 lb. There were significantly favorable changes in all lipid levels within the MLC but not within the NCEP group. Waist-to-hip ratio was significantly decreased within the MLC group. |
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A Very Low-carbohydrate Diet Improves Symptoms and Quality of Life in Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
UNC General Clinical Research Center/Atkins Foundation |
Participants with moderate to severe IBS-D were provided a 2-week standard diet, then 4 weeks of a VLCD (20 g carb/day). 77% of participants experienced adequate relief , improved abdominal pain, stool habits and quality of life regarding IBS-D as a result of VLCD. |
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Dietary Strategies For Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in the Era of Multi-approaches; Review and Results From the Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial (DIRECT) |
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel/Atkins Foundation |
Patients who were randomized to the low-carbohydrate diet achieved a significant reduction of hemoglobin A1C. Some recent trials have shown that low carbohydrate diets are as efficient in inducing weight loss and in some metabolic measures such as serum triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol may be even superior to low fat diets. |
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The Role of Energy Expenditure in the Differential Weight Loss in Obese Women on Low-fat and Low-carbohydrate Diets |
University of Cincinnati/American Heart Association, National Institutes of Health |
These results confirm that short-term weight loss is greater in obese women on a low-carbohydrate diet than in those on a low-fat diet even when reported food intake is similar. |
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A Randomized Trial Comparing a Very Low Carbohydrate Diet and a Calorie-Restricted Low Fat Diet on Body Weight and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Healthy Women |
University of Cincinnati/American Heart Association, National Institutes of Health |
Based on these data, a very low carbohydrate diet is more effective than a low fat diet for short-term weight loss and, over 6 months, is not associated with deleterious effects on important cardiovascular risk factors in healthy women. |
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Long-term effects of a very-low-carbohydrate weight loss diet compared with an isocaloric low-fat diet after 12 mo |
Preventative Health National Research Flagship (Adelaide, Australia) / National Heart Foundation of Australia |
Low Carb group (over a isocaloric low fat diet) had greater decreases in triglycerides, increases in HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, and a greater but nonsignificant increase in apolipoprotein B. Both dietary patterns resulted in similar weight loss and changes in body composition. The LC diet may offer clinical benefits to obese persons with insulin resistance. |
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Short-Term Effects of Severe Dietary Carbohydrate-Restriction Advice in Type 2 Diabetes--a Randomized Controlled Trial |
Diabetes and Vascular Health Center/Diabetes UK |
Weight loss and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio improved was greater in the low-carbohydrate (LC) group over low fat group. Carbohydrate restriction was an effective method of achieving short-term weight loss compared with standard advice. |
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Comparison of the Atkins, Ornish, Weight Watchers, and Zone Diets for Weight Loss and Heart Disease Risk Reduction |
Tufts-New England Medical Center/National Institutes of Health |
Each popular diet modestly reduced body weight and several cardiac risk factors at 1 year. Overall dietary adherence rates were low, although increased adherence was associated with greater weight loss and cardiac risk factor reductions for each diet group. |
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Comparative Study of the Effects of a 1-Year Dietary Intervention of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet Versus a Low-Fat Diet on Weight and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes |
Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University & North Bronx Healthcare Network/Robert C. Atkins Foundation and the Diabetes Research and Training Center |
Among patients with type 2 diabetes, after 1 year a low-carbohydrate diet had effects on weight and A1C similar to those seen with a low-fat diet. There was no significant effect on blood pressure, but the low-carbohydrate diet produced a greater increase in HDL cholesterol. Weight loss occurred faster in the low-carbohydrate group than in the low-fat group in the first 3 months. |
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Effects of Dietary Composition on Energy Expenditure During Weight-Loss Maintenance |
Children's Hospital Boston/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases |
Individuals on the very low carb diet had the highest resting metabolism. |
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Comparison of Low Fat and Low Carbohydrate Diets on Circulating Fatty Acid Composition and Markers of Inflammation |
University of Connecticut/Atkins Foundation |
Overweight men and women with atherogenic dyslipidemia consumed ad libitum diets very low in carbohydrate (VLCKD) or low in fat (LFD) for 12 weeks. Both diets significantly decreased the concentration of several serum inflammatory markers, but there was an overall greater anti-inflammatory effect associated with the VLCKD. In summary, a very low carbohydrate diet resulted in profound alterations in fatty acid composition and reduced inflammation compared to a low fat diet. |
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Weight and Metabolic Outcomes After 2 Years on a Low-Carbohydrate Versus Low-Fat Diet: A Randomized Trial |
Temple University/National Institutes of Health |
Successful weight loss can be achieved with either a low-fat or low-carbohydrate diet when coupled with behavioral treatment. A low-carbohydrate diet is associated with favorable changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors at 2 years. Weight loss was approximately 11 kg (11%) at 1 year and 7 kg (7%) at 2 years. During the first 6 months, the low-carbohydrate diet group had greater reductions in diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lesser reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and more adverse symptoms than did the low-fat diet group. The low-carbohydrate diet group had greater increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels at all time points, approximating a 23% increase at 2 years. |
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A Randomized Trial of a Low-carbohydrate Diet For Obesity |
University of Pennsylvania/National Institutes of Health |
The low-carbohydrate diet produced a greater weight loss (4%) than did the conventional diet for the first six months, but the differences were not significant at one year. The low-carbohydrate diet was associated with a greater improvement in some risk factors for coronary heart disease. |
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Comparative Effects of Low-Carbohydrate High-Protein Versus Low-Fat Diets on the Kidney |
Indiana University School of Medicine, Temple University Center for Obesity Research and Education, Washington University School of Medicine/National Institute of Health |
In healthy obese individuals, a low-carbohydrate high-protein weight-loss diet over 2 yearswas not associated with noticeably harmful effects on GFR, albuminuria, or fluid and electrolyte balance compared with a low-fat diet. |
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A Low-carbohydrate Diet in Overweight Patients Undergoing Stable Statin Therapy Raises High-density Lipoprotein and Lowers Triglycerides Substantially |
University of Arizona/Funding not listed. |
This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on the lipid levels in obese patients with known arteriosclerotic heart disease on chronic statin therapy. Triglyceride levels were lowered by 29.5%, HDL raised by 17.6%, and cholesterol decreased by 8.4%. The cholesterol/ HDL ratio changed from 5.31 to 3.78 and LDL cholesterol decreased by 5%. The addition of a low-carbohydrate diet for overweight patients with known coronary artery disease undergoing stable statin therapy causes significant weight loss and a favorable change in the lipid panel. |
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Effect of a High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Blood Glucose Control in People With Type 2 Diabetes |
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center/Americans Diabetes Association |
A LoBAG (low-biologically-available-glucose) diet ingested for 5 weeks dramatically reduced the circulating glucose concentration in people with untreated type 2 diabetes. Potentially, this could be a patient-empowering way to ameliorate hyperglycemia without pharmacological intervention. |
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Comparison of the Atkins, Zone, Ornish, and LEARN Diets For Change in Weight and Related Risk Factors Among Overweight Premenopausal Women: the A TO Z Weight Loss Study: a Randomized Trial. |
Stanford University Medical School/National Institutes of Health |
In this study, premenopausal overweight and obese women assigned to follow the Atkins diet, which had the lowest carbohydrate intake, lost more weight at 12 months than women assigned to follow the Zone diet, and had experienced comparable or more favorable metabolic effects than those assigned to the Zone, Ornish, or LEARN diets. |
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Influence of a Modified Atkins Diet on Weight Loss and Glucose Metabolism in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients |
Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Israel/Hadassah University Hospital |
In this randomized controlled clinical trial authors found no statistical difference in weight loss and HbA1c between the Atkins and ADA diets, although the results slightly favored the Atkins diet. Furthermore, there was no evidence of deleterious effects on cardiovascular risk factors or renal function due to the high fat high protein diet after 3 months of follow-up. Based on our results, some patients who are unable to adhere to the ADA diet might find the Atkins diet useful for a short period. |
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Utility of a short-term 25% carbohydrate diet on improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus |
Sansum Medical Research Foundation/Funding not listed. |
To determine if introduction of a low carbohydrate diet might be a useful option for type 2 diabetic patients who do not achieve glucose target levels despite conventional treatment. A low carbohydrate, caloricly-restricted diet has beneficial short-term effects in subjects with type 2 who have failed either diet or sulfonylurea therapy and may obviate the necessity for insulin. |
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Effect of a High Saturated Fat and No-starch Diet on Serum Lipid Subfractions in Patients With Documented Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease |
University of Delaware/Christiana Care Health Services, Inc. Cardiology Services |
To determine whether a diet of high saturated fat and avoidance of starch (HSF-SA) results in weight loss without adverse effects on serum lipids in obese nondiabetic patients. HSF-SA diet results in weight loss after 6 weeks without adverse effects on serum lipid levels verified by nuclear magnetic resonance, and further weight loss with a lipid-neutral effect may persist for up to 52 weeks. |
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Results of Use of Metformin and Replacement of Starch With Saturated Fat in Diets of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes |
University of Delaware/Christiana Care Health Services, Inc. Cardiology Services |
Addition of saturated fat and removal of starch from a high-monounsaturated fat and starch-restricted diet improved glycemic control and were associated with weight loss without detectable adverse effects on serum lipids. |
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Effect of low-calorie versus low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet in type 2 diabetes |
Al Shaab Family Medicine Medical Center, Kuwait/Funding not listed |
This study shows the beneficial effects of a ketogenic diet over the conventional LCD in obese diabetic subjects. The ketogenic diet appears to improve glycemic control. Therefore, diabetic patients on a ketogenic diet should be under strict medical supervision because the LCKD can significantly lower blood glucose levels. |
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Effects of a Low-intensity Intervention That Prescribed a Low-carbohydrate vs. a Low-fat Diet in Obese, Diabetic Participants |
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center / Veterans Affairs Medical Center |
At this time, participants in the low-carbohydrate group lost 1.5 kg, compared to 0.2 kg in the low-fat group (P = 0.147). Lipids, glycemic indexes, and dietary intake did not differ between groups at month 24 (or at months 6 or 12). |
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Efficacy and Safety of a High Protein, Low Carbohydrate Diet for Weight Loss in Severely Obese Adolescents |
University of Colorado/Pediatric Clinical Translational Research Center & National Cattleman's Beef Association |
Significant reduction in BMI-Z-score was achieved in both groups during intervention, and was significantly greater for the HPLC (high protein low carbohydrate) group. Both groups maintained significant BMI-Z reduction at follow-up; changes were not significantly different between groups. The HPLC diet is a safe and effective option for medically supervised weight loss in severely obese adolescents. |
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Change in Food Cravings, Food Preferences, and Appetite During a Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diet |
Temple University, Washington University-St. Louis, University of Colorado/National Institute of Health |
The study objective was to evaluate the effect of prescribing a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) and a low-fat diet (LFD) on food cravings, food preferences, and appetite. The LCD group reported being less bothered by hunger compared to the LFD group. Compared to the LCD group, the LFD group had significantly larger decreases in cravings for high-fat foods and preference for low-carbohydrate/high-protein foods. Men had larger decreases in appetite ratings compared to women. The results also indicate that the LCD group was less bothered by hunger compared to the LFD group and that men had larger reductions in appetite compared to women. |
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Comparison of High-Fat and High-Protein Diets With a High-Carbohydrate Diet in Insulin-Resistant Obese Women |
Edgar National Center for Diabetes Research, Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Otago/Health Research Council of New Zealand |
In routine practice a reduced-carbohydrate, higher protein diet may be the most appropriate overall approach to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. To achieve similar benefits on a HC diet, it may be necessary to increase fibre-rich wholegrains, legumes, vegetables and fruits, and to reduce saturated fatty acids to a greater extent than appears to be achieved by implementing current guidelines. |
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Comparison of a Low-fat Diet to a Low-carbohydrate Diet on Weight Loss, Body Composition, and Risk Factors for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in Free-living, Overweight Men and Women |
University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada/Natural Sciences Engineering Research Council of Canada |
Both groups of subjects had significant weight loss over the 10 wk of diet intervention and nearly identical improvements in body weight and fat mass. Only the LC group had a significant decrease in circulating insulin concentrations. Group results indicated that the diets were equally effective in reducing systolic blood pressure by about 10 mm Hg and diastolic pressure by 5 mm Hg and decreasing plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 bioactivity. These data suggest that energy restriction achieved by a very LC diet is equally effective as a LF diet strategy for weight loss and decreasing body fat in overweight and obese adults. |
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Comparison of the Effects of Four Commercially Available Weight-loss Programmes on Lipid-based Cardiovascular Risk Factors |
Surrey University, Bristol University, Nottingham University, Ulster (Coleraine) University, and Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh / BBC |
The Atkins (low-carbohydrate) diet was followed by marked reductions in plasma TAG (–38.2% 6 months). This diet was associated with an increase in LDL particle size, a change that has been linked to reduced CVD risk. |
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Premenopausal Women Following a Low-carbohydrate/High-protein Diet Experience Greater Weight Loss and Less Hunger Compared to a High-carbohydrate/Low-fat diet |
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and Virginia State University/Funding not listed. |
This study examined the effects of a low-carbohydrate/high-protein (LC/HP) diet versus a high-carbohydrate/low-fat (HC/LF) diet on scores of eating restraint and hunger. Percent change in body weight was significant for both groups over time, although relative weight loss was greater in the LC/HP group (14.8%) compared to the HC/LF (4.3%) group at wk 6. The LC/HP group had a significant decrease in hunger score from baseline to wk 6, while the HC/LF group did not. While women in both diet groups experienced weight loss, the LC/HP group had a greater percent change in body weight over time with lower scores for hunger compared to the HC/LF group. A LC/HP diet may facilitate weight loss without extreme restraint or hunger. |
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Diet-Induced Weight Loss Is Associated with Decreases in Plasma Serum Amyloid A and C-Reactive Protein Independent of Dietary Macronutrient Composition in Obese Subjects |
University of WA & University of Cincinnati/American Heart Association, National Institute of Health |
The very low-carbohydrate dieters had a significantly greater decrease in LogSAA, but their weight loss also was significantly greater. In this study, the decreases in inflammatory markers correlated significantly with weight loss. Also, change in LogSAA correlated with change in insulin resistance. Thus, in otherwise healthy, obese women, weight loss was associated with significant decreases in both SAA and CRP. These effects were proportional to the amount of weight lost but independent of dietary macronutrient composition. |
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Ketogenic diet does not affect strength performance in elite artistic gymnasts |
University of Padova, Italy/Gianluca Mech SpA, Orgiano (VI), Italy |
Data suggest that athletes who underwent a VLCKD with adequate protein intake lost weight and improved body composition without any negative changes in strength and power performance. Taken together these results suggest that a properly monitored and programmed ketogenic diet could be a useful, and safe, method to allow the athletes to reach their desired weight categories. |
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The Human Metabolic Response to Chronic Ketosis Without Caloric Restriction: Physical and Biochemical Adaptation |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard Medical School/National Institutes of Health |
These findings indicate that the ketotic state induced by the EKD was well tolerated in lean subjects; nitrogen balance was regained after brief adaptation, serum lipids were not pathologically elevated, and blood glucose oxidation at rest was measurably reduced while the subjects remained euglycemic. |
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A Low-carbohydrate as Compared With a Low-fat Diet in Severe Obesity |
Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania medical Center, Drexel University of Medicine/Veteran Affairs Healthcare Network |
Severely obese subjects with a high prevalence of diabetes or the metabolic syndrome lost more weight during six months on a carbohydrate-restricted diet than on a calorie- and fat-restricted diet, with a relative improvement in insulin sensitivity and triglyceride levels, even after adjustment for the amount of weight lost. |
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Effects of a moderate low-carbohydrate diet on preferential abdominal fat loss and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes |
Haimoto Clinic, Japan/Funding not listed. |
Six months of a moderate LCD resulted in preferential VAT (visceral adipose tissue) loss only in women, with significant correlations between % change SAT (subcutaneous adipose tissue) and both change HDL and change FBG (fasting blood glucose), as well as between % change VAT and change TG. Authors results suggest that an LCD has the potential to reduce abdominal fat in patients with T2DM and deterioration of serum lipid profiles. |
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A Randomized Study Comparing the Effects of a Low-carbohydrate Diet and a Conventional Diet on Lipoprotein Subfractions and C-reactive Protein Levels in Patients With Severe Obesity |
Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Drexel University College of Medicine/Veteran Affairs Healthcare Network |
In this 6-month study involving severely obese subjects, we found an overall favorable effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on lipoprotein subfractions, and on inflammation in high-risk subjects. Both diets had similar effects on LDL and HDL subfractions. |
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Weight Loss with a Low-Carbohydrate, Mediterranean, or Low-Fat Diet |
S. Daniel Abraham Center for Health & Nutrition/Atkins Foundation & S Daniel Abraham Center for Health & Nutrition |
Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets may be effective alternatives to low-fat diets. The more favorable effects on lipids (with the low-carbohydrate diet) and on glycemic control (with the Mediterranean diet) suggest that personal preferences and metabolic considerations might inform individualized tailoring of dietary interventions. |
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Dietary Intervention to Reverse Carotid Atherosclerosis |
S. Daniel Abraham Center for Health & Nutrition/Atkins Foundation; Israeli Ministry of Health; Canadian Institutes of Health and Heart and Stroke of Canada |
Two-year weight loss diets can induce a significant regression of measurable carotid VWV. The effect is similar in low-fat, Mediterranean, or low-carbohydrate strategies and appears to be mediated mainly by the weight loss-induced decline in blood pressure. |
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Very Low-carbohydrate and Low-fat Diets Affect Fasting Lipids and Postprandial Lipemia Differently in Overweight Men |
University of Connecticut/Atkins Foundation |
The primary purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a very low-carbohydrate and a low-fat diet on fasting blood lipids and postprandial lipemia in overweight men. In a balanced, randomized, crossover design, overweight men consumed 2 experimental diets for 2 consecutive 6-wk periods. One was a very low-carbohydrate (<10% energy as carbohydrate) diet and the other a low-fat (<30% energy as fat) diet. Both diets had the same effect on serum total cholesterol, serum insulin, and homeostasis model analysis-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Neither diet affected serum HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) or oxidized LDL (oxLDL) concentrations. The very low-carbohydrate diet was more effective at improving characteristics of the metabolic syndrome as shown by a decrease in fasting serum TAG, the TAG/HDL-C ratio, postprandial lipemia, serum glucose, an increase in LDL particle size, and also greater weight loss. |
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Weight Loss Leads to Reductions in Inflammatory Biomarkers After a Very Low-carbohydrate and Low-fat Diet in Overweight Men |
University of Connecticut/Atkins Foundation |
The primary purpose of this study was to compare a very low-carbohydrate and a low-fat weight loss diet on inflammatory biomarkers in overweight men. Both the low-fat and the very low-carbohydrate diet resulted in significant decreases in absolute concentrations of hsTNF-alpha, hsIL-6, hs-CRP and sICAM-1. There was no significant change in absolute sP-selectin concentrations after either diet. In summary, energy-restricted low-fat and very low-carbohydrate diets both significantly decreased several biomarkers of inflammation. These data suggest that in the short-term weight loss is primarily the driving force underlying the reductions in most of the inflammatory biomarkers. |
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A Ketogenic Diet Favorably Affects Serum Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Disease in Normal-weight Men |
University of Connecticut/Atkins Foundation |
The results suggest that a short-term ketogenic diet does not have a deleterious effect on CVD risk profile and may improve the lipid disorders characteristic of atherogenic dyslipidemia. |
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Effects of a Low-carbohydrate Diet on Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Risk Factor in Overweight Adolescents |
Schneider Children's, New York/Funding not listed. |
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. The LC group lost more weight (mean, 9.9 +/- 9.3 kg vs 4.1 +/- 4.9 kg) and had improvement in non-HDL cholesterol levels. There were no adverse effects on the lipid profiles of participants in either group. 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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The Effects of Low-Carbohydrate versus Conventional Weight Loss Diets in Severely Obese Adults: One-Year Follow-up of a Randomized Trial |
Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Drexel University College of Medicine/Veteran Affairs Healthcare Network |
Participants on a low-carbohydrate diet had more favorable overall outcomes at 1 year than did those on a conventional diet. Weight loss was similar between groups, but effects on atherogenic dyslipidemia and glycemic control were still more favorable with a low-carbohydrate diet after adjustment for differences in weight loss. |
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Losing 10 Lbs With A Low-CHO Diet Plus Exercise Does Not Impair Vascular Function |
Johns Hopkins University/Funding not listed |
A low-CHO diet plus exercise achieved a 10 lb weight loss sooner than a low-fat diet plus exercise, with no detectable impairment of vascular function. |
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Metabolic Effects of Weight Loss on a Very-Low-Carbohydrate Diet Compared With an Isocaloric High-Carbohydrate Diet in Abdominally Obese Subjects |
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia/National Heart Foundation of Australia and the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia |
Weight loss was similar in both groups (VLCHF & HCLF). Blood pressure, CRP, fasting glucose, and insulin reduced similarly with weight loss in both diets. The VLCHF diet produced greater decreases in triacylglycerols and increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) remained unchanged in the VLCHF diet. |
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Changes in Body Weight and Metabolic Indexes in Overweight Breast Cancer Survivors Enrolled in a Randomized Trial of Low-Fat vs. Reduced Carbohydrate Diets |
University of Arizona / Atkins Foundation |
A group of overweight female breast cancer survivors were assigned either a low-fat diet or Modified Atkins Diet. All subjects demonstrated improvements in total/HDL cholesterol ratio, and significant reductions inHbA1c, insulin, and HOMA. Triglycerides levels were significantly reduced only in the low-carbohydrate diet group. Significant improvements in weight and metabolic indexes can be demonstrated among overweight breast cancer survivors adherent to either the Modified Atkins Diet or fatrestricted diet. |
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Efficacy of the Atkins Diet as Therapy for Intractable Epilepsy in Children |
Research Institute of Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti Medical University/Funding not listed. |
Following three months of treatment with the Atkins diet, 16 patients (67%) had >50% decrease in seizure frequency, and 6 (25%) had >90% improvement, of whom 5 were seizure-free. Mean seizure frequency after the first, second and third months of treatment were significantly lower than at baseline. The Atkins diet can be considered as a safe and effective alternative therapy for intractable childhood epilepsy. Atkins diet was well tolerated in our patients with rare complications and it appears to demonstrate preliminary efficacy in childhood refractory epilepsy. |
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Presence or absence of carbohydrates and the proportion of fat in a highprotein diet affect appetite suppression but not energy expenditure in normal weight human subjects fed in energy balance |
Maastricht University / Top Institute Food and Nutrition (Netherlands) |
Appetite suppression and fat oxidation were higher on a high-protein diet without than with carbohydrates exchanged for fat. Energy expenditure was not affected by the carbohydrate content of a high-protein diet. |
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Fasting Lipoprotein and Postprandial Triacylglycerol Responses to a Low-carbohydrate Diet Supplemented With n-3 Fatty Acids |
Ball State University, Indiana/Funding not listed. |
A hypocaloric low-carbohydrate diet rich in MUFA and supplemented with n-3 fatty acids significantly reduced postabsorptive and postprandial TG in men that were not hypertriglyceridemic as a group before the diet. This may be viewed as a clinically significant positive adaptation in terms of cardiovascular risk status. |
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Comparison of a Very Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diet on Fasting Lipids, LDL Subclasses, Insulin Resistance, and Postprandial Lipemic Responses in Overweight Women |
University of Connecticut/Atkins Foundation |
Compared to a low-fat weight loss diet, a short-term very low-carbohydrate diet did not lower LDL-C but did prevent the decline in HDL-C and resulted in improved insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese, but otherwise healthy women. Small decreases in body mass improved postprandial lipemia, and therefore cardiovascular risk, independent of diet composition. |
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Comparison of Energy-restricted Very Low-carbohydrate and Low-fat Diets on Weight Loss and Body Composition in Overweight Men and Women |
University of Connecticut/Atkins Foundation |
This study shows a clear benefit of a VLCK over LF diet for short-term body weight and fat loss, especially in men. A preferential loss of fat in the trunk region with a VLCK diet is novel and potentially clinically significant but requires further validation. |
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An Isoenergetic Very Low Carbohydrate Diet Improves Serum HDL Cholesterol and Triacylglycerol Concentrations, the Total Cholesterol to HDL Cholesterol Ratio and Postprandial Pipemic Responses Compared With a Low Fat Diet in Normal Weight, Normolipidemic Women |
University of Connecticut/Atkins Foundation |
In normal weight, normolipidemic women, a short-term very low carbohydrate diet modestly increased LDL-C, yet there were favorable effects on cardiovascular disease risk status by virtue of a relatively larger increase in HDL-C and a decrease in fasting and postprandial triaclyglycerols. |
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Body Composition and Hormonal Responses to a Carbohydrate-restricted Diet |
University of Connecticut/Atkins Foundation |
Authors conclude that a carbohydrate-restricted diet resulted in a significant reduction in fat mass and a concomitant increase in lean body mass in normal-weight men, which may be partially mediated by the reduction in circulating insulin concentrations. |
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Carbohydrate Restriction has a More Favorable Impact on the Metabolic Syndrome than a Low Fat Diet |
University of Connecticut/University of Connecticut, US; Department of Agriculture Hatch, Atkins Foundation, Egg Nutrition Center, and the Research Foundation of the State University of New York |
Both interventions led to improvements in several metabolic markers, but subjects following the CRD had consistently reduced glucose (-12%) and insulin (-50%) concentrations, insulin sensitivity (-55%), weight loss (-10%), decreased adiposity (-14%), and more favorable triacylglycerol (TAG) (-51%), HDL-C (13%) and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio (-14%) responses. In addition to these markers for MetS, the CRD subjects showed more favorable responses to alternative indicators of cardiovascular risk: postprandial lipemia (-47%), the Apo B/Apo A-1 ratio (-16%), and LDL particle distribution. The results support the use of dietary carbohydrate restriction as an effective approach to improve features of MetS and cardiovascular risk. |
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Effects of Dietary Carbohydrate Restriction Versus Low-fat Diet on Flow-mediated Dilation. |
University of Connecticut/University of Connecticut, US; Department of Agriculture Hatch, Atkins Foundation, Egg Nutrition Center, and the Research Foundation of the State University of New York. |
These findings show that a 12-week low-carbohydrate diet improves postprandial vascular function more than a LFD in individuals with atherogenic dyslipidemia. |
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Limited Effect of Dietary Saturated Fat on Plasma Saturated Fat in the Context of a Low Carbohydrate Diet |
University of Connecticut/American Egg Board Egg-Dissertation Fellowship in Nutrition |
Authors showed that a hypocaloric carbohydrate restricted diet (CRD) had two striking effects: (1) a reduction in plasma saturated fatty acids (SFA) despite higher intake than a low fat diet, and (2) a decrease in inflammation despite a significant increase in arachidonic acid (ARA). These findings are consistent with the concept that dietary saturated fat is efficiently metabolize in the presence of low carbohydrate, and that a CRD results in better preservation of plasma ARA. |
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Effects of Diet Composition on Postprandial Energy |
Children's Hospital Boston/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases |
These findings suggest that a Low Fat diet may adversely affect postprandial Energy Availability and risk for weight regain during weight loss maintenance. |
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The Effect of a Low-carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet Versus a Low-glycemic Index Diet on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus |
Duke University Medical Center/Atkins Foundation |
Dietary modification led to improvements in glycemic control and medication reduction/elimination in motivated volunteers with type 2 diabetes. The diet lower in carbohydrate led to greater improvements in glycemic control, and more frequent medication reduction/elimination than the low glycemic index diet. Lifestyle modification using low carbohydrate interventions is effective for improving and reversing type 2 diabetes. |
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Effect of 6-month Adherence to a Very Low Carbohydrate Diet Program |
Duke University/Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine |
In these subjects, the mean body weight decreased 10.3% +/- 5.9% from baseline to 6 months. The mean percentage of body weight that was fat decreased 2.9% +/- 3.2% from baseline to 6 months. Serum total cholesterol level decreased 11 +/- 26 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level decreased 10 +/- 25 mg/dL, triglyceride level decreased 56 +/- 45 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level increased 10 +/- 8 mg/dL, and the cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio decreased 0.9 +/- 0.6 units. A very low carbohydrate diet program led to sustained weight loss during a 6-month period. |
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A Low-carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet to Treat Type 2 Diabetes |
Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center (152)/Atkins Foundation |
In a study of overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes, the LCKD (low carbohydrate ketogenic diet) improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes such that diabetes medications were discontinued or reduced in most participants. Other results include: mean body weight decreased by 6.6% and fasting serum triglyceride decreased 42%. |
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A Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet versus a Low-Fat Diet To Treat Obesity and Hyperlipidemia: A Randomized, Controlled Trial |
Department of Veterans Affairs, North Carolina/Atkins Foundation |
Compared with a low-fat diet, a low-carbohydrate diet program had better participant retention and greater weight loss. During active weight loss, serum triglyceride levels decreased more and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level increased more with the low-carbohydrate diet than with the low-fat diet. |
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A randomized trial of a low-carbohydrate diet vs orlistat plus a low-fat diet for weight loss. |
Department of Veterans Affairs, North Carolina/Department of Veterans Affairs and Atkins Foundation |
Obese and overweight outpatients were assigned to either a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) or Orlistat therapy combined with a low fat diet (O + LFD). In a sample of medical outpatients, an LCKD led to similar improvements as O + LFD for weight, serum lipid, and glycemic parameters and was more effective for lowering blood pressure. |
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Effects of Two Weight-loss Diets on Health-related Quality of Life. |
Duke University/Atkins Foundation |
Mental aspects of HRQOL (health related quality of life) improved more in participants following an LCKD (low calorie ketogenic diet) than an LFD (low fat diet), possibly resulting from the LCKD's composition, lack of explicit energy restriction, higher levels of satiety or metabolic effects. The factors analyzed were: Physical Functioning, Role-Physical, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning. The Physical Component Summary score improved similarly in both diet groups. Bodily Pain improved in the LFD group only, whereas the Role-Emotional and Mental Health subscales and the Mental Component Summary (MCS) score improved in the LCKD group only. |
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A Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus |
Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Carolina & Duke University/Funding not listed. |
The LCKD reduced glycemia, body weight and serum triglycerides in type 2 diabetic patients but close medical supervision was required to adjust diabetic and blood pressure medications. |
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Various Indications For a Modified Atkins Diet in Intractable Childhood Epilepsy |
Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea/Funding not listed |
A long-term treatment with the MAD was well tolerated. Moreover, the MAD can successfully substitute the classic KD in patients who showed improvement in seizure outcomes by the KD. 9 patients maintained the MAD with favorable seizure outcomes (a reduction of seizure frequency by over 50%) or successfully completed the diet therapy. |
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When Do Seizures Usually Improve With The Ketogenic Diet? |
The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions/Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, The Atkins Foundation |
The KD works quickly when effective, typically within the first 1–2 weeks. Starting the KD after a fasting periodmay lead to a more rapid, but equivalent long-term seizure reduction, confirming prior reports. If the KD has not led to seizure reduction after 2 months, it can probably be discontinued. |
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Efficacy and Tolerability of Modified Atkins Diet in Japanese Children With Medication-Resistant Epilepsy |
Shiga Medical Center for Children, Japan/Funding not listed. |
Seven Japanese patients aged 1.5–17 years with medication-resistant epilepsy were placed on the modified Atkins diet (MAD) for 3 weeks during admission to our hospital. Dietary carbohydrate was restricted to 10 g per day. Among the patients who could continue the diet for 3 weeks, 3 achieved the seizure reduction; 2 became seizure-free and 1 showed about 75% reduction in the seizure frequency within 10 days on the diet. The MAD was effective and well-tolerated in children with medication-resistant epilepsy in Japan. |
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Low-carbohydrate Diet in Type 2 Diabetes: Stable Improvement of Bodyweight and Glycemic Control During 44 Months Follow-up |
Department of Medicine, Blekingesjukhuset, Sweden/Funding not listed |
Advice to obese patients with type 2 diabetes to follow a 20% carbohydrate diet with some caloric restriction has lasting effects on bodyweight and glycemic control. |
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Comparison of Seizure Reduction and Serum Fatty Acid Levels After Receiving the Ketogenic and Modified Atkins Diet |
Lille University Hospital / AEAC Association |
Authors compared retrospectively the KD and modified Atkins diet in 27 children and also assessed serum long chain fatty acid profiles. We observed a preventive effect of both diets on the occurrence of status epilepticus. After 1 and 3 months of either diet, responders experienced a significant decrease in serum arachidonic acid concentration compared to non-responders. The KD and modified Atkins diet led to seizure reduction in this small pilot series, with slightly better results after 3 months with the KD, but not after 6 months. |
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Clinical Experience of a Diet Designed to Reduce Aging |
Duke University & University of Arizona/Funding not listed. |
A high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet with nutritional supplementation led to improvements in serum factors related to the aging process. |
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Dietary Carbohydrate Restriction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Syndrome: Time For a Critical Appraisal |
n/a This is a review article. |
Experiments are summarized showing that carbohydrate-restricted diets are at least as effective for weight loss as low-fat diets and that substitution of fat for carbohydrate is generally beneficial for risk of cardiovascular disease. These beneficial effects of carbohydrate restriction do not require weight loss. Finally, the point is reiterated that carbohydrate restriction improves all of the features of metabolic syndrome. Read more |
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Low-Carbohydrate Diet Review : Shifting the Paradigm |
University of North Carolina/Funding not listed. |
This review examines and compares the safety and the effectiveness of a LC approach as an alternative to a low-fat (LF), highcarbohydrate diet, the current standard for weight loss and/or chronic disease prevention. The metabolic, hormonal, and appetite signaling effects of carbohydrate reduction suggest an underlying scientific basis for considering it as an alternative approach to LF, high-carbohydrate recommendations in addressing overweight/obesity and chronic disease in America. |
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Ketogenic Diets: Evidence For Short- and Long-term Efficacy |
Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland/The Atkins Foundation |
This review discusses the animal and human evidence for both short- and long-term benefits of dietary therapies. |
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More Fat and Fewer Seizures: Dietary Therapies For Epilepsy |
Review Article |
This is a review article on the topic of ketogenic diet as treatment for epilepsy. |
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Dietary Therapies for Epilepsy |
Johns Hopkins University / Review article - no funding. |
The two major nonpharmacologic treatments for patients with epilepsy are neurostimulation devices (e.g. vagus nerve stimulators) and dietary treatments (ketogenic). In this review, we will cover the latter treatments, namely, using diets. |
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Nutrition and Acne: Therapeutic Potential of Ketogenic Diets |
Unviersity of Padova, University of Athens, University of Palermo/Funding not listed |
This review examines the evidence supporting an influence of various dietary components, such as ketogenic diet, on the development of acne particularly focusing on the role played by carbohydrates. |
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Very-low-carbohydrate Weight-loss Diets Revisited |
University of Connecticut/Atkins Foundation |
This review demonstrates that much scientific and anecdotal data demonstrate favorable metabolic responses to very-low-carbohydrate diets. |
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A Review of Low-carbohydrate Ketogenic Diets |
Duke University/Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine |
In response to the emerging epidemic of obesity in the United States, a renewal of interest in alternative diets has occurred, especially in diets that limit carbohydrate intake. Recent research has demonstrated that low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets can lead to weight loss and favorable changes in serum triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This review summarizes the physiology and recent clinical studies regarding this type of diet. |
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