'New diets' for weight loss in Type 2 diabetes

Abstract

In summary, a concise response to our patient's questions would be: A low-carbohydrate diet may induce more weight loss than 'conventional diet and exercise' initially, but there is limited evidence of the longer-term differences. Saturated fat intake may rise as a consequence of a low-carbohydrate diet if other dietary adaptations are not made. However, in short-term weight loss studies this has not been shown to have any detrimental effect on lipid levels. But, again there is limited information on the longer-term effects or risks. Saturated fat intake is associated with coronary heart disease in epidemiological studies. Most evidence regarding dietary approaches to weight loss focuses on comparing different diets in relation to effect and safety on randomly selected groups of people. Research that addresses matching of individuals to diets of different compositions is limited. A decision about dietary approach would be based on a comprehensive assessment and consultation with the individual. This would include consideration of current health status and risk, dieting history, attitude to diet and wight loss, success of previous approaches, current dietary habits and personal preferences. A low-carbohydrate diet would not be advised as a first line intervention but in this case may be an effective and safe short-term option to consider.