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Smaller"Weight loss maintenance is about finding an eating pattern that you can follow for a lifetime," she said. "A carbohydrate-restrictive diet is not something you could nor should stay on the rest of your life."
The six-week weight loss study, funded by a Ball State internal grant, included 34 participants who were divided into three groups.
The first group followed the popular Atkins diet which places strict limits on carbohydrates. The second group followed a low-fat, reduced-calorie diet. The third group also limited fat but was able to eat as much carbohydrates as they wanted.
All three groups lost similar amounts of weight, Beals said, although the progression differed.
"The Atkins group lost most of their weight in the first two weeks and then plateaued or actually gained some weight back," she said. "The other two groups lost weight gradually throughout the course of the study."
In addition, all groups saw a decrease in total cholesterol but the carbohydrate groups had a significantly larger decrease, mostly due to a larger decrease in LDL cholesterol levels. Triglyceride levels decreased in all three groups with no significant difference between the groups.
Participants filled out a "diet satisfaction" survey each week that included questions about the palatability, effectiveness and side effects associated with their prescribed diet. Palatability was lowest and side effects were highest in the Atkins group. Beals is also conducting follow-ups with the subjects to examine weight loss maintenance.
"The dietary guidelines that have been in place for awhile still hold true," Beals said. "Moderation is the key when it comes to calories, fat, carbohydrates and, most important, weight control."
