Research Library

One Year Data From A Prospective Cohort of Low Carbohydrate Dieters

Segal-Isaacson, C.J., Ginsberg, M., Cowell, B., et. al., “One Year Data From A Prospective Cohort of Low Carbohydrate Dieters,” 2004 North American Society for the Study of Obesity Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada.

The following has been prepared and presented by the researcher.

Little is known about the natural course of low carbohydrate dieting and to what extent dietarys pattern and weight loss are sustained over time. The CCARB Study is a prospective Internet-based study of people who identify themselves as following a low or controlled carbohydrate diet and lifestyle patterns. There are currently there are 2,495 participants. Participants are primarily middle-aged American women. Over 1300 participants have completed their one year questionnaires to date.

At one year, dietary recall through the DHQ food frequency questionnaire showed that weight loss was siginificantly associated with: cutting calories through reducing carbohydrate intake, greater daily consumption of nonstarchy vegetables, especially dark green vegetables, very low intake of foods with added sugar, and greater consumption of lean sources of protein. Most CCARBS participants reported they had: more stable moods on a low carb diet, better appetite control than with a conventional weight loss diet, and preferred food choices on a lower carb diet compared to a conventional weight loss diet. One year weight changes in CCARBS participants were: 26.5% lost weight, 39.0% maintained their weight, and 34.5% gained weight. At one year, 75% of CCARBS participants reported they were still on a low or controlled carbohydrate diet. CCARBS Participants underestimate their intake of carbohydrate. By self report , the average intake at baseline was 29g but the food frequency questionnaire estimated their average intake at 107g. Highly processed low carb convenience foods may be contributing to this confusion by highly marketing the concept of “net” carbs instead of total grams of carbohdyrate. At baseline, 412 CCARBS participants (16.5%) had kept at least 30lbs off for at least one year.

The following was written by Atkins professionals.

The weight loss of individuals following a low or controlled carbohydrate diet is being tracked in this ongoing study.  After one year, the changes which individuals have made in their meal planning associated with weight loss include adding non starchy vegetables, reducing intake of foods with added sugar, and consuming more lean sources of protein.  They report better moods and better appetite control on this way of eating. Over one-quarter are still following a low or controlled carb diet, and 75% are still participating in this study.