Comparison of the Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet with a Low-Fat Diet on Anthropometric Indices and Body Fat Percentage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Mina Darand; Shirin Hassanizadeh; Sepide Talebi; Zahra Darabi; Mohammad Bagherniya; Fatemeh Yaghoubi; Shahab Alizadeh; Zeinab Darand; Yasaman Azamian; Hadi Abdollahzad

doi:10.18502/jnfs.v8i3.13297

Mina Darand Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Shirin Hassanizadeh Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Nutrition and Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
Sepide Talebi Students’ Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Zahra Darabi Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran;
Mohammad Bagherniya Nutrition and Food Security Research Center and Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Fatemeh Yaghoubi Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran;
Shahab Alizadeh Baharloo Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran;
Zeinab Darand School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kermanshah, Kermanshah, Iran
Yasaman Azamian Student Research Committee, School of Nutritional Sciences and Food Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
Hadi Abdollahzad Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jnfs.v8i3.13297

Keywords: Low-fat; Low-carbohydrate; Weight; Obesity

Abstract

Background: Although many studies have been conducted to compare the effect of adherence to a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) with a low-fat diet (LFD) on anthropometric indices and body fat percentage, there is still no definite conclusion in this regard. Therefore, the present study aims to summarize results of studies comparing a LFD and a LCD on weight loss.

Methods: A systematic search of databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochran Library was performed up to November 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of adherence to a LCD with a LFD on anthropometric indices and body fat percentage were included. Search results were limited to English-language publications. Sixty-three RCTs, including 7660 participants, were selected for the present study.

Results: Pooled analysis indicated that adherence to LCD was significantly associated with a greater reduction in BMI (SMD = - 0.07, 95% CI: -0.14,-0.001; P = 0.04), weight (kg) (SMD = - 0.22, 95% CI: - 0.31, - 0.12; P ≤ 0.001), and percentage of body fat mass (SMD = - 0.28, 95% CI: -0.48, - 0.08; P = 0.006) compared to LFD. However, no significant difference in changes of kilogram of body fat mass and waist circumference was observed between the two diet programs.

Conclusion: Overall, adhering to LCD was more effective than LFD in losing weight and body fat percentage.