Weight Loss Regimens That Control for Carbohydrate Quality or Quantity: A Review

The 2008 review analyzed weight loss strategies that manage carbohydrate intake, focusing on low-carbohydrate (LC) and low-glycemic index (LGI) diets and their impact on obesity and diabetes. It discussed historical and modern diets, the glycemic index, and the Paleolithic diet. The review found evidence supporting the benefits of LGI diets for weight loss and satiety, particularly in children and adolescents, but noted uncertainties regarding the relevance of GI to mixed diets and the effects of reducing hyperinsulinemia. It also examined protein-sparing modified fasts (PSMFs) and non-energy-restricted LC diets, such as the Atkins diet, noting their effectiveness for weight loss and improving lipid profiles, but with poor long-term compliance. Side effects of PSMFs can include lightheadedness, constipation, and hair loss, but are typically mild. The review emphasized the need for more research to understand the long-term efficacy and health implications of these diets and called for an end to the "diet wars," advocating for individualized obesity management over the prevalent high-energy, high-carbohydrate, high-fat diets in the United States.