Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
16 November 2018 08:21
Low-carb diets could see individuals lose 10kg over 3 years
Switching to a diet low in carbohydrates could see people lose up to 10kg over a three-year period, according to new research.
A team of US researchers found that individuals on low-carb diets burned the greatest number of calories when compared to other types of diet.
And authors of the paper, published in the BMJ, predict that the long-term benefits of the diet could be even greater if sustained over a longer period of time.
Calorie-restricted
A total of 234 overweight American adults aged 18 to 65 were enrolled in the study and placed on an initial calorie-restricted diet for a period of 10 weeks.
This led to 164 participants losing at least 10% of their body weight over the initial period of the study. These people were then placed on either high, moderate or low-carb diets for an additional 20 weeks.
Each participant was provided with fully prepared meals with a similar protein and fat content.
The team of US researchers then tracked participants' weight and measured energy expenditure, which shows how many calories are burned.
They found that total energy expenditure was significantly greater in participants on the low-carbohydrate diet compared with the high-carbohydrate diet.
High carbohydrate diet
Participants on the low-carbohydrate diet burned 209 to 278 kilocalories a day more than those on the high carbohydrate diet - or about a 50 to 70 kilocalories a day increase for every 10% decrease in the contribution of carbohydrate to total energy intake.
"If this effect persisted - and we observed no attenuation from 10 to 20 weeks - it would translate into an estimated 10kg weight loss after three years for a typical 30-year-old man of height 178cm (5ft 10in)," the authors wrote.
The researchers, who are presenting their findings to the ObesityWeek 2018 conference in Tennessee, USA, concluded: "Dietary composition seems to affect energy expenditure independently of body weight.
"A low glycemic load, high-fat diet might facilitate weight loss maintenance beyond the conventional focus on restricting energy intake and encouraging physical activity."
Are you looking for insurance that meets your specific medical needs? Check out our range of dedicated medical travel insurance and find the right cover for you.
07 June 2019
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.
[more...]
03 June 2019
Want to get into surfing but not sure where to go? Here's where you should be heading to get the best beginner waves around the world.
Heading to the showpiece event of women's football in France this summer? Here's everything you need to know about England's venues for France 2019.
Get more out of your smartphone when you go travelling by downloading these travel apps and make your trip easier at the touch of a button.
24 May 2019
Heading to the football in Baku but don't know what else to do? Explore the hip and trendy crossroad of Europe and the Middle East and experience the fast-growing phenomenon, Azerbaijan.
Two of London's top football teams head east in search of silverware on May 29. If you're heading to Baku for the final, here's our guide on what you need to know before you go...
17 May 2019
There's more to Monaco than the Grand Prix. Discover the magic of the Mediterranean principality with our guide to what you must see in Monaco.
15 May 2019
Are you heading to one of Europe's best music festivals this summer? Then make sure you read our top ten tips before you leave...
What makes the Monaco Grand Prix so special? From a royal guestlist to a challenging circuit, we take a look at why the Monte Carlo Formula 1 race is so prestigious...
Get inspired for a summer of music, travel and adventure with our guide to some of the best music festivals around Europe.
07 May 2019
Thinking of visiting Spain? There are some excellent reasons to explore the country this spring and summer, from football finals to eating snails - so don't miss out!
Want to learn a new language without the hassle of going to classes? Check out our guide to the best free apps on the market and get yourself holiday-ready in no time.