A new study from the University of Surrey suggests that reducing carbohydrate intake, rather than drastically cutting calories, may be a more effective and sustainable approach to improving metabolic health.
The research, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, examined the effects of three different diet plans on participants aged 20 to 65 years who were overweight or obese. For one day, they followed a normal carbohydrate diet, a low-carb diet with balanced calorie intake, and a low-carb diet with significant calorie restriction.
The results revealed that both low-carb diets, regardless of whether they involved calorie restriction, led to notable improvements in key metabolic markers. Participants showed enhanced ability to process a high-fat meal, which included lower triglyceride levels—an important indicator of heart disease risk—and a shift towards using fat as a primary energy source.
Dr. Adam Collins, Associate Professor of Nutrition at the University of Surrey and co-author of the study, explained: “We found that simply restricting carbohydrates, without the need for extreme calorie reduction, can yield metabolic benefits similar to those of short-term fasting. This suggests that periodically cutting carbs could offer a more accessible and sustainable way for people to manage their metabolic health.”
The study also found that while participants reported increased hunger on low-carb days, this did not result in overeating over the following two days. This indicates that the body may adapt to a reduced carbohydrate intake, making it easier to maintain this diet long-term.
Dr. Collins emphasized that the findings present a promising new approach for managing metabolic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, potentially offering a more manageable alternative to severe calorie-restricted diets.
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