As a result of the obesity epidemic in the United States numerous dietary strategies have been advocated as effective methods for reducing body weight. One such dietary strategy is a carbohydrate restricted diet, one of which is the Atkins diet. This study examined the effects of the Atkins diet on body mass, body composition, and blood cholesterol concentrations in persons engaging in the Atkins diet and a brisk walking exercise program. Nineteen healthy adults who desired to lose weight were randomly assigned to either the Atkins diet (LowCho; n=9) or a diet which followed the current USDA guidelines (Con; n=10), and walking for 30 minutes, 3 times per week for 7 weeks. Body mass (96 ± 8 vs. 90 ± 9 kg), fat mass (30 ± 4 vs. 26 ± 4 kg), and blood [triglyceride] decreased significantly (P< 0.05) from baseline to week 7 in LowCho. The subjects in Con experienced a significant (P<0.05) decrease in blood [HDL] from baseline to week 7 (54 ± 5 vs. 48 ± 5 mg/dl). No other changes were noted.
The Atkins diet did not alter protein or fat consumption, but decreased caloric consumption due to decreased carbohydrate intake. The Atkins diet may be beneficial to health by lowering serum triglyceride concentration, body mass, and body fat over a short period of time. The USDA guidelines do not seem to alter body mass, body composition, or fitness when followed for a short period of time, perhaps due to insufficient emphasis on caloric restriction.
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States with approximately ? of Americans overweight or obese (13). Obesity is predominantly caused by excessive caloric consumption and insufficient physical activity. Excessive body mass is a major risk factor for untoward health affects, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and orthopedic problems (2; 6; 28; 31). As a result of the obesity related problems with overeating, there are numerous dietary strategies purported to optimize weight loss and enhance health.
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Effects of exercise combined with a low carbohydrate diet on health
