Low-Fat or Low-Carb Diet: Does It Make a Difference?

Multiple weight-loss strategies, including low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets, have been investigated; however, many study treatments have not included an extensive behavioral component. In this 2-year, randomized, parallel-group trial, researchers assigned 307 women and men (mean age, 45.5) to a low-carb or low-fat diet combined with a comprehensive lifestyle modification program.

Participants in both groups lost approximately 11% of their baseline weight in 6 to 12 months; subsequent gains resulted in a total loss of 7% of baseline weight at 2 years. Systolic blood pressure fell with weight loss in both diet groups but did not differ significantly between the groups at any time point. The low-fat group had a significantly greater decrease …