Losing weight could become easier.
Reducing carbohydrate intake can aid in curbing long-term weight gain, but solely cutting carbs isn’t sufficient. A recent report in JAMA Network Open analyzed data from nearly 125,000 healthy adults, revealing that replacing refined carbs like white bread and sugary cereals with whole grain foods, alongside a reduction in animal-based fats and proteins, correlated with less weight gain over four years.
Dr. Qi Sun, the study’s senior author from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, emphasized the significance of high-quality carbohydrates in a low-carb diet. Quality matters, focusing on whole grains, plant proteins, fruits, and vegetables while avoiding refined grains, processed meats, and saturated fats, he stressed.
The study, examining participants from the Nurses’ Health Studies and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, observed those without chronic health issues. It didn’t delve into very low-carb diets like keto or paleo, focusing instead on diet quality. The research highlighted that improving diet quality was linked to reduced weight gain over time, particularly in the healthy low-carb diet category.
Dr. Sahar Takkouche, an obesity expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, emphasized that healthier choices were pivotal for effective weight management, cautioning that even healthy options could turn unhealthy based on preparation, citing the example of buttery and sugary popcorn.
However, the study faced limitations due to its predominantly white female participant pool and reliance on self-reported data, which could introduce inaccuracies. Yet, it fills a critical gap, offering insights into food choices within a low-carb diet impacting long-term weight control.
Samaneh Farsijani from the University of Pittsburgh lauded the study’s focus on a healthy low-carb diet, emphasizing the importance of food choices within this dietary approach. This research underscores that adopting a low-carb diet is crucial, but the specific foods chosen play a significant role in ensuring its healthfulness.
Discussion about this post