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COPYRIGHT 2004 Jannetti Publications, Inc.
Low-carbohydrate diets are not only highly popular but also controversial. The theory or general concept behind the low-carbohydrate dietary approach needs to receive more attention to provide more objectivity to this discussion. The theory or concept that actually has some evidence currently lies in the values of the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL). Basically, the higher the GI, the greater the glucose response. However, the GI system that was originally proffered in 1981 comes with one apparent limitation in that some foods or beverages need to be obtained in enormous amounts in order to observe such a glucose change. Therefore, the newer concept of GL (derived from the GI) is based on a more moderate-portion size and the resultant glucose change with some of the higher GI foods or beverages actually demonstrating a low GL. These and other limitations and some advantages of low-carbohydrate diets with an emphasis of what an actual GI or GL means are discussed.
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Low-carbohydrate diets have become the new fad in the United States and in many parts of the world as an alternative and apparently novel method to lose weight. The reason for their popularity abounds, but part of the problem may be in the lack of long-term effectiveness of low-fat to reduce a substantial amount of weight over a short or long period of time. In fact, a recent review of the randomized trials of low-fat diet concluded the analysis by stating that "... fat-restricted diets are no better than calorie-restricted diets in achieving long-term weight loss in overweight or obese people" (Pirozzo, Summerbell, Cameron, & Glaszious, 2002). Another recent interpretation of this review concluded by saying, "Low-fat diets are no better than low-calorie diets in achieving weight loss in overweight or obese people. In studies, the average weight loss after 18 months on either diet was less than 5 lb," (Schooff, 2003). However, large randomized trials of a long duration must be completed before an adequate assessment of low-carbohydrate diets can be completed. In the meantime, numerous experts are debating the potential or lack of potential for these diets to achieve weight loss (Blackburn, 2002; Bray, 2003; Willett, 2002). Regardless of the...
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