Adherence to a low-fat vs. low-carbohydrate diet differs by insulin resistance status

Diabetes Obes Metab. 2013 Jan;15(1):87-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2012.01668.x. Epub 2012 Aug 22.

Abstract

Previous research shows diminished weight loss success in insulin-resistant (IR) women assigned to a low-fat (LF) diet compared to those assigned to a low-carbohydrate (LC) diet. These secondary analyses examined the relationship between insulin-resistance status and dietary adherence to either a LF-diet or LC-diet among 81 free-living, overweight/obese women [age = 41.9 ± 5.7 years; body mass index (BMI) = 32.6 ± 3.6 kg/m(2)]. This study found differential adherence by insulin-resistance status only to a LF-diet, not a LC-diet. IR participants were less likely to adhere and lose weight on a LF-diet compared to insulin-sensitive (IS) participants assigned to the same diet. There were no significant differences between IR and IS participants assigned to LC-diet in relative adherence or weight loss. These results suggest that insulin resistance status may affect dietary adherence to weight loss diets, resulting in higher recidivism and diminished weight loss success of IR participants advised to follow LF-diets for weight loss.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Letter
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Body Composition
  • Body Mass Index
  • Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted*
  • Diet, Fat-Restricted*
  • Diet, Reducing / methods*
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / administration & dosage*
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Obesity / blood
  • Obesity / diet therapy*
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Patient Compliance
  • Weight Loss*

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fats