Effects of a low-carbohydrate diet on weight loss and cardiovascular risk factor in overweight adolescents

Objectives To compare the effects of a low-carbohydrate (LC) diet with those of a low-fat (LF) diet on weight loss and serum lipids in overweight adolescents. Design A randomized, controlled 12-week trial. Setting Atherosclerosis prevention referral center. Methods Random, nonblinded assignment of participants referred for weight management. The study group (LC) (n = 16) was instructed to consume <20 g of carbohydrate per day for 2 weeks, then <40 g/day for 10 weeks, and to eat LC foods according to hunger. The control group (LF) (n = 14) was instructed to consume <30% of energy from fat. Diet composition and weight were monitored and recorded every 2 weeks. Serum lipid profiles were obtained at the start of the study and after 12 weeks. Results The LC group lost more weight (mean, 9.9 ± 9.3 kg vs 4.1 ± 4.9 kg, P < .05) and had improvement in non-HDL cholesterol levels (P < .05). There was improvement in LDL cholesterol levels (P