Which Diets Are Effective in Reducing Cardiovascular and Cancer Risk in Women with Obesity? An Integrative Review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) and very low-carbohydrate diets (VLCDs) in improving body weight and cardiometabolic parameters for women with obesity, as well as their impact on CVD and cancer risk.
Results Summary
The study found that LCDs and VLCDs, though challenging to maintain long-term, can be effective for weight loss and improving cardiometabolic health in women with obesity. However, adherence over extended periods was noted as difficult.
Population
Adult women with obesity.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) | decrease | body weight | women with obesity | - | can be good options for achieving improvements | #1 |
low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) | improve | cardiometabolic parameters | women with obesity | - | can be good options for achieving improvements | #2 |
very low-carbohydrate diet (VLCD) | decrease | body weight | women with obesity | - | can be good options for achieving improvements | #3 |
very low-carbohydrate diet (VLCD) | improve | cardiometabolic parameters | women with obesity | - | can be good options for achieving improvements | #4 |
intermittent fasting (IF) | decrease | body weight | women with obesity | - | can be good options for achieving improvements | #5 |
intermittent fasting (IF) | improve | cardiometabolic parameters | women with obesity | - | can be good options for achieving improvements | #6 |
Mediterranean (MED) diet | decrease | risk of CVD | women | - | have been associated with better women's health outcomes | #7 |
Mediterranean (MED) diet | decrease | risk of cancer | women | - | have been associated with better women's health outcomes | #8 |
Mediterranean (MED) diet | improve | prevention and treatment of obesity | women | - | have been associated with better women's health outcomes | #9 |
Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) | decrease | risk of CVD | women | - | have been associated with better women's health outcomes | #10 |
Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) | decrease | risk of cancer | women | - | have been associated with better women's health outcomes | #11 |
Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) | improve | prevention and treatment of obesity | women | - | have been associated with better women's health outcomes | #12 |
Traditional Brazilian Diet | decrease | risk of CVD | women | - | have been associated with better women's health outcomes | #13 |
Traditional Brazilian Diet | decrease | risk of cancer | women | - | have been associated with better women's health outcomes | #14 |
Traditional Brazilian Diet | improve | prevention and treatment of obesity | women | - | have been associated with better women's health outcomes | #15 |
Women are more affected by obesity than men which increases their risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, it is important to understand the effectiveness of different types of diet in the context of women's health. This review aims to summarize the scientific evidence on the effects of different types of diet for women with obesity and their impact on CVD and cancer risk. This review included epidemiological and clinical studies on adult women and different types of diets, such as the Mediterranean (MED) diet, the Traditional Brazilian Diet, the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH), intermittent fasting (IF), calorie (energy) restriction, food re-education, low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) and a very low-carbohydrate diet (VLCD). Our main findings showed that although LCDs, VLCD and IF are difficult to adhere to over an extended period, they can be good options for achieving improvements in body weight and cardiometabolic parameters. MED, DASH and the Traditional Brazilian Diet are based on natural foods and reduced processed foods. These diets have been associated with better women's health outcomes, including lower risk of CVD and cancer and the prevention and treatment of obesity.