Effects of very-low-carbohydrate diet on body and function index in overweight or obese subjects

Objective To assess the effects of very-low-carbohydrate diet (VLCD) on body function and body composition in obese or overweight subjects. Methods Thirty five overweight or obese subjects were enrolled in the study, including 10 males and 25 females with a mean age of (43±10) years.All subjects received VLCD intervention and 30 min moderate-intensity exercise daily for 3 months.The height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, blood lipids and body composition were measured before and 1, 3 months after intervention.ANOVA or nonparametric test was used for statistical analysis. Results After 3-month intervention, compared to baseline, the average body weight was decreased by 17.2 and 5.9 kg, waist circumference was decreased by 15.1 and 4.5 cm, BMI index decreased by 4.3 and 3.4 kg/cm2, waist to hip ratio was decreased by 0.1 and 0.1, for males and females, respectively (F=11.65 and 5.28, 8.36 and 3.73, 9.28 and 12.06, 3.32 and 19.43, all P<0.05). Compared with the baseline, the systolic pressure was decreased by 12.2 and 9.2 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), triglycerides were decreased by 0.25 and 0.42 mmol/L, fasting blood glucose was decreased by 0.13 and 0.43 mmol/L after 1 month and 3 months of intervention, respectively.The proportion of patients with fatty liver was decreased from 69%(24/35) at baseline to 49%(17/35) at 1 month after intervention and further to 6%(2/32) at 3 months after intervention (χ2=27.52, P<0.05). Conclusion The results indicate that VLCD can effectively control the body weight, and significantly improve the state of body function disorder. Key words: Obesity; Low carbohydrate diet; Blood glucose; Fatty liver