The key to successful weight loss is making it last. According to Australian researchers, both low-carb and high-carb diets work equally well for maintaining weight loss.
The researchers also pointed out that some studies have suggested that high protein diets (low-carb) may be more effective in losing weight short-term than high carbohydrate diets. However, there is less evidence regarding which approach would be better for helping people to keep the weight off.
The study, led by Dr. Elizabeth A. Delbridge of the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in Victoria Australia, divided 141 participants into groups of high protein and high carbohydrate diets for a year. The participants lost 36.4 pounds on average, and only regained about four pounds, over the following year.
Here are a few results from the study:
- All study participants saw their blood pressure go down as they lost weight
- Average blood pressure went up for the high-carbohydrate group during the weight maintenance phase
- Low-carb dieters sustained their blood pressure reduction
- People found it easy to stick to the low-carb diet
- Low-protein dieters struggled to eat the recommended amount of carbohydrates (55 percent) and to limit their protein intake to 15 percent
(via: Yahoo)