So far, a diet low in fat and carbohydrates is recommended to lose weight.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — A diet low in carbohydrates and fat, has been called the most effective way to lose nearly six percent of body weight, it can also control diabetes and reduce fat in the liver. However, a study describes the opposite of the doctor’s recommendations.
The first and ‘most extensive’ research study on a low-carbohydrate and low-fat diet in patients with type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, was conducted in Denmark for six months. Studies have found that this diet actually increases non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
The diet affects more than 25 percent of people worldwide and 55 percent of people with type 2 diabetes, as well as blood glucose levels in type two diabetes.
“I would like to inform you that if you have fat in your liver, one will benefit from eating fat,” said Camilla Dalby Hansen, Clinical Research Assistant at Denmark’s Odense University Hospital, while presenting the research results at the International Liver Congress in London. Euractiv, Saturday (2/7/2022).
While the participants ate as many calories ‘as they normally would’, they lost nearly six percent of their body weight, had better diabetes control, and reduced fat in the liver.
This low-carbohydrate and low-fat diet was also compared to the classic low-fat diabetes diet, such as a low-fat diet and high consumption of whole grain products, such as oats, potatoes, and vegetables.
Conversely, a diet low in carbohydrates and fat actually makes fat accumulate. “These are mainly healthy fats, like avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds, as well as cheese, cream, high-fat dairy products,” says Hansen.
These results may give patients more options in the future, that they can choose for themselves what diet suits their lifestyle.
“It is important to emphasize that this is not just going out and eating all the fat in the world. One should also focus on getting some good fats, and very importantly, not eating a lot of fat and a lot of carbohydrates,” says Hansen.
He also advised to discuss with the doctor and get a follow-up examination while on a diet. However, this research is considered to still need long-term data, so that the results are more real.
