Comparison between the effects of the low carb diet and the low fat diet in individuals with obesity: evidence summary

Abstract

Introduction: There are also recommendations for obesity treatment and weight loss diets that consider the restriction of macronutrients, especially carbohydrates and fats. Objective: To compare the effects obtained through the Low Carb Diet and the Low Fat Diet in obese adult patients using a systematic literature review. Method: The following descriptors were used, in Portuguese and English, which were combine or not using the Boolean operator AND: nutrition AND Obesity AND diet. Summary of evidences: Justified in the selected articles we can verify that diet is a fundamental variable in the treatment of obesity. Although there is no consensus on the effectiveness of dietary interventions based on reductions in carbohydrate content compared to reduction in fat content, there is feasible evidence to justify the development of some related nutritional care. Taking into account the multifactorial aspects that determine the pathophysiology of obesity, and in line with evidence found in various studies, less drastic and more sustainable dietary interventions based on the promotion of healthy eating habits result in long-term benefits in treating obesity, and may provide technical support for nutritionist decision-making to promote nutritional care that improves the quality of life of the obese patient.