Beneficial Effects of an 8-Week, Very Low Carbohydrate Diet Intervention on Obese Subjects

Abstract EN

Aim.

To investigate the effects of weight loss during an 8-week very low carbohydrate diet (VLCD) on improvement of metabolic parameters, adipose distribution and body composition, and insulin resistance and sensitivity in Chinese obese subjects.

Methods.

Fifty-three healthy obese volunteers were given an 8-week VLCD.

The outcomes were changes in anthropometry, body composition, metabolic profile, abdominal fat distribution, liver fat percent (LFP), and insulin resistance and sensitivity.

Results.

A total of 46 (86.8%) obese subjects completed the study.

The VLCD caused a weight loss of −8.7±0.6 kg (mean ± standard error (SE), P<0.0001) combined with a significant improvement of metabolic profile.

In both male and female, nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) significantly decreased (−166.2±47.6 μmol/L, P=0.001) and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHA) increased (0.15±0.06 mmol/L, P=0.004) after eight weeks of VLCD intervention.

The significant reductions in subcutaneous fat area (SFA), visceral fat area (VFA), and LFP were −66.5±7.9 cm2, −35.3±3.9 cm2, and −16.4±2.4%, respectively (all P values P<0.0001).

HOMA IR and HOMA β significantly decreased while whole body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI) increased (all P values P<0.001).

Conclusion.

Eight weeks of VLCD was an effective intervention in obese subjects.

These beneficial effects may be associated with enhanced hepatic and whole-body lipolysis and oxidation.