The low-carb diet is neither healthy nor effective: numerous researchers have proven this in a large-scale study. But cutting out carbohydrates can actually have harmful side effects.
Low-carb has no benefits, my science experts say
“Weight loss in people eating a low-carb diet is not very different from weight loss in people eating a balanced carbohydrate diet,” writes study lead author Celeste Naude of Stellenbosch University in Cape Town.
The researchers also monitored the diets for their effects on changes in heart disease risk and increases in LDL cholesterol (so-called “unhealthy” cholesterol) over a two-year period. The result: There were few if any differences between the diets. “Both in patients with and without type 2 diabetes,” explained Naude.
The German Diabetes Society (DDG) also explained in advance of the publication that low-carb is neither the best nor the healthiest form of a diet. The DDG stated: “Since December 2021, the motto for diabetics is that weight loss strategies should be based on individual preferences
Even as a preventive measure, “low carb” is not an option
The result of the review was already foreseeable in advance. Several previous studies from previous years produced comparable results. The result was almost unanimous: “There is no difference between losing weight with low-carb or high-carb.” obese subjects after 12 months comparable to that of a low-fat diet.”
With regard to obesity and diabetes prevention, the low-carb diet does not seem to be really suitable. The research group of the American cardiovascular society National Lipid Association (NLA) wrote in a journal in 2018: “Based on the verified evidence, low and very low carbohydrate diets are not superior to other dietary approaches for weight loss.”
The statement accompanying this opinion stated that there would be little data on long-term efficacy and safety. American researchers have a similar opinion. “Physicians are encouraged to consider the findings discussed in this scientific opinion when advising patients on low-carb diets.”
“The side effects of the low-carb diet are only now becoming public,” said the former DGE President
Professor Stefan Lorkowski, Head of Nutritional Biochemistry at the University of Jena, wrote in the medical journal “It is attractive, but naive to believe that simply changing the ratio of carbohydrates and fats is sufficient. Rather, it depends on their nutritional quality and, above all, their energy balance.”
Professor Alfred Wirth agrees. The former president of the German Obesity Society explained: “Almost all studies show that a low-carb diet is not superior and that the energy deficit is particularly important when it comes to weight loss.” Both researchers criticize the increase in LDL cholesterol in particular in low-carb diets as critical to health.
The former President of the German Society for Nutrition (DGE) Helmut Hesekers already criticized in 2019: “The long-standing demonization of carbohydrates is suddenly exposed by trendsetters as a big mistake. Atkins, South Beach, Hollywood Star, Mayo, Logi and Paleo diets – evolution or Harvard – are not only exposed as ineffective, worse: Instead, long-overlooked or denied side effects such as bad breath, muscle cramps , nausea and headaches came to the fore.”
