Glycemic carbohydrate and body weight regulation

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to examine the relationship between glycemic carbohydrate and its effect on body weight regulation. By contrast to fat, carbohydrate has a positive impact on energy intake, energy expenditure, and body weight control. Despite some debate about the role of the carbohydrate-to-fat ratio in the diet and the prevalence of obesity, metabolic studies show that diets high in fat are more likely to result in body weight gain than diets high in carbohydrate. So far there are no indications that carbohydrate classes differ greatly with respect to energy expenditure and energy balance. However, the impact of carbohydrate source and class, as well as the form in which carbohydrate is consumed (i.e., solid or liquid) on body weight control requires further consideration. © 2003 International Life Sciences Institute.