The effects of a low-carbohydrate diet on appetite: A randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet versus a low-fat diet on appetite-related hormones and self-reported appetite changes over a year-long period.
Results Summary
The study found that a low-fat diet reduced peptide YY more than a low-carbohydrate diet, suggesting better satiety preservation on the latter. No differences were observed in ghrelin levels or self-reported appetite changes between the two diets.
Population
148 adults with a BMI of 30-45 kg/m², free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.
Effective Dosage
Low-carbohydrate diet (<40 g/day excluding fiber); low-fat diet (<30% energy from fat, <7% from saturated fat).
Duration
12 months
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
low-fat diet | decrease | peptide YY | 148 adults with a body mass index 30-45 kg/m(2), free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease | -44.2 pg/mL (-50.4 to -38.0) | reduced | #1 |
low-carbohydrate diet | decrease | peptide YY | 148 adults with a body mass index 30-45 kg/m(2), free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease | -34.8 pg/mL (-41.0 to -28.6) | reduced | #2 |
low-fat diet compared to low-carbohydrate diet | decrease | peptide YY | 148 adults with a body mass index 30-45 kg/m(2), free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease | net change: 9.54 pg/mL [0.6 to 18.2] | reduced more | #3 |
dietary effects | neutral | peptide YY | - | Approximately 99% | explained by differences in dietary macronutrient content | #4 |
low-carbohydrate diet compared to low-fat diet | no change | ghrelin | 148 adults with a body mass index 30-45 kg/m(2), free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease | no significant change | no difference in change | #5 |
low-carbohydrate diet compared to low-fat diet | no change | self-reported change in appetite | 148 adults with a body mass index 30-45 kg/m(2), free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease | no significant change | no difference in change | #6 |
low-carbohydrate diet | increase | satiety | - | - | satiety may be better preserved | #7 |
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The relationship between dietary macronutrient composition and appetite is controversial. We examined the effects of a year-long low-carbohydrate diet compared to a low-fat diet on appetite-related hormones and self-reported change in appetite. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 148 adults with a body mass index 30-45 kg/m(2), who were free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease at baseline were randomly assigned to either a low-carbohydrate diet (carbohydrate [excluding dietary fiber]<40 g/day; N = 75) or a low-fat diet (<30% energy from fat, <7% from saturated fat; N = 73). Participants in both groups attended individual and group dietary counseling sessions where they were provided the same behavioral curriculum and advised to maintain baseline levels of physical activity. Appetite and appetite-related hormones were measured at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months of intervention. At 12 months, mean changes (95% CI) in peptide YY were -34.8 pg/mL (-41.0 to -28.6) and in the low-carbohydrate group and -44.2 pg/mL (-50.4 to -38.0) in the low-fat group (net change: 9.54 pg/mL [0.6 to 18.2]; p = 0.036). Approximately 99% of dietary effects on peptide YY are explained by differences in dietary macronutrient content. There was no difference in change in ghrelin or self-reported change in appetite between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: A low-fat diet reduced peptide YY more than a low-carbohydrate diet. These findings suggest that satiety may be better preserved on a low-carbohydrate diet, as compared to a low fat diet. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00609271.