Adherence to a low-fat vs. low-carbohydrate diet differs by insulin resistance status

Abstract

Previous research shows diminished weight loss success in insulin-resistant (IR) women assigned to a low-fat (LF) diet compared to those assigned to a low-carbohydrate (LC) diet. These secondary analyses examined the relationship between insulin-resistance status and dietary adherence to either a LF-diet or LC-diet among 81 free-living, overweight/obese women [age = 41.9 ± 5.7 years; body mass index (BMI) = 32.6 ± 3.6 kg/m(2)]. This study found differential adherence by insulin-resistance status only to a LF-diet, not a LC-diet. IR participants were less likely to adhere and lose weight on a LF-diet compared to insulin-sensitive (IS) participants assigned to the same diet. There were no significant differences between IR and IS participants assigned to LC-diet in relative adherence or weight loss. These results suggest that insulin resistance status may affect dietary adherence to weight loss diets, resulting in higher recidivism and diminished weight loss success of IR participants advised to follow LF-diets for weight loss.

Conflict of interest statement

DISCLOSURE

Dr. Gardner received a pilot grant from the Robert C Atkins Foundation in 2007 after the conclusion of the A TO Z weight loss study. None of the other authors had a personal or financial conflict of interest.

© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Figures

Figure 1

12-Month Change in Diet by Insulin Resistance Status in Diet Groups