More About the Glycemic Index Diet

I still receive many requests for low carb information and recipes from readers, even though I don't believe the diet is effective or safe. A new study by the Weight and Eating Disorders Program of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has shown that Atkin's Diet followers have better blood HDL and triglyceride levels at the end of one year, compared with traditional low fat dieters. Those on the Atkins diet (one of many low glycemic diets) also lost more weight at the 3 and 6 month intervals than the low fat dieters, although the weight loss amounts at the end of one year were the same.

Does this change my opinion of the Atkin's Diet? Not really. I am fascinated by the study, but I know from college science research that the study is too short, and used too small a sample, to be the definitive answer about low carb diets. The National Institute of Health is currently funding a 5 year study with a larger sample size to answer long term health concerns. Maybe that will answer questions about health effects and maintaining weight loss, my two biggest concerns. Stay tuned!