© 2004, Wellsource Inc.

Low Carbohydrate Diet and LDL Cholesterol Levels

• 119 men and women, 24 weeks

• On the low carb diet, LDL increased slightly

• On low calorie diet, LDL dropped 7 points

148141

157 159

100.0

125.0

150.0

Low cal diet Low carb diet

0 weeks24 weeks

LDL Cholesterol Levels

Annals of Internal Medicine, May 18, 2004

LD

L C

hole

ster

ol m

g/dL

© 2004, Wellsource Inc.

Low Carb vs Conventional Diet

-8

-6

-4

-2

0

ConventionalLow carb

0 6 12

Months

Wei

ght l

oss,

kg

n=132

Annals of Internal Medicine, May 18, 2004

© 2004, Wellsource Inc.

One Year Changes in Groups

Low carb diet Conv diet

Weight loss -11 lb -7 lb

Calorie intake 1662 1822

LDL chol, mg/dL 112 to 120 121 to 118

HDL chol, mg/dL 41 to 40 41 to 36

Glucose, mg/dL 100 to 103 99 to 102

Annals of Internal Medicine, May 18, 2004

© 2004, Wellsource Inc.

Researcher’s Summary

• We found no significant difference in overall weight loss between persons on these two diets at one year.

• Our data suggest that weight loss differences may be explained by lower caloric intake on a low carbohydrate diet.

Annals of Internal Medicine, May 18, 2004

© 2004, Wellsource Inc.

Researcher’s Summary

• The HDL cholesterol level decreased more in the conventional diet than in the low carbohydrate diet by one year.

• The difference in the response of glucose and insulin sensitivity between diet groups by 1 year was not significant.

Annals of Internal Medicine, May 18, 2004

© 2004, Wellsource Inc.

Researcher’s Conclusions

Restriction of carbohydrate in obese persons, who may be over consuming carbohydrate at baseline, may have a favorable metabolic effect.

Annals of Internal Medicine, May 18, 2004