Physiogenomic comparison of human fat loss in response to diets restrictive of carbohydrate or fat
2008

Comparing Fat Loss from Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diets

Sample size: 163 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Richard L Seip, Jeff S Volek, Andreas Windemuth, Mohan Kocherla, Maria Luz Fernandez, William J Kraemer, Gualberto RuaƱo

Primary Institution: Genomas, Inc.

Hypothesis

Genetic factors may explain individual responses to low carbohydrate and low fat diets in terms of fat loss.

Conclusion

Distinct genetic mechanisms underlie fat loss in low carbohydrate and low fat diets.

Supporting Evidence

  • Dieting reduced %BF by 3.0% for low carbohydrate and 1.9% for low fat.
  • SNPs in nine genes were significantly associated with fat loss.
  • Four SNPs remained significant after correction for multiple testing.

Takeaway

This study looked at how different diets affect fat loss and found that our genes can influence how well we lose fat on low carb or low fat diets.

Methodology

The study used dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure changes in body fat among participants on low carbohydrate and low fat diets, analyzing genetic variants associated with fat loss.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the homogeneity of the sample population, primarily of European ancestry.

Limitations

The study had a relatively small sample size and focused on a limited number of genetic variants.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 93 adults on a low carbohydrate diet and 70 on a low fat diet, with a majority being sedentary and weight stable prior to the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < 0.005 for significant SNPs

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1743-7075-5-4

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