Let the debate between low carb and low fat diets end – science has determined the winner! In a four-month study conducted at the University of Cincinnati, 50 obese test subjects were divided into two calorie-restricted groups: 1) low carb and 2) low fat. The low-carb dieters followed an average protein/carb/fat ratio of 28/15/57 for the first two months and a ratio of 24/24/52 for the last two months. While subjects following the low fat diet had a macronutrient ratio of 18/53/29 for the first two months and 20/48/32 for last two.

What’s important note is that there was no significant difference in total calorie intake between each group. In spite of this, the difference in macronutrient breakdown showed a significant difference in overall weight loss and body fat reduction. By the end of testing, results showed that the low-carb subjects lost more body weight (21.6 vs. 13.5 pounds) and fat (13.7 vs. 7.1 pounds) than those following a low-fat diet!

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005 Mar; 90(3):1475-82.