Saturated fat is not the major issue

It is time to bust the myth of the role of saturated fat in heart disease and wind back the harms of dietary advice that has contributed to obesity.

Premenopausal Women Following a Low-carbohydrate/High-protein Diet Experience Greater Weight Loss and Less Hunger Compared to a High-carbohydrate/Low-fat diet

This study examined the effects of a low-carbohydrate/high-protein (LC/HP) diet versus a high-carbohydrate/low-fat (HC/LF) diet on scores of eating restraint and hunger. Percent change in body weight was significant for both groups over time, although relative weight loss was greater in the LC/HP group (14.8%) compared to the HC/LF (4.3%) group at wk 6. The LC/HP group had a significant decrease in hunger score from baseline to wk 6, while the HC/LF group did not. While women in both diet groups experienced weight loss, the LC/HP group had a greater percent change in body weight over time with lower scores for hunger compared to the HC/LF group. A LC/HP diet may facilitate weight loss without extreme restraint or hunger.

Comparison of Low Fat and Low Carbohydrate Diets on Circulating Fatty Acid Composition and Markers of Inflammation

Overweight men and women with atherogenic dyslipidemia consumed ad libitum diets very low in carbohydrate (VLCKD) or low in fat (LFD) for 12 weeks. Both diets significantly decreased the concentration of several serum inflammatory markers, but there was an overall greater anti-inflammatory effect associated with the VLCKD. In summary, a very low carbohydrate diet resulted in profound alterations in fatty acid composition and reduced inflammation compared to a low fat diet.

Effect of a High Saturated Fat and No-starch Diet on Serum Lipid Subfractions in Patients With Documented Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

To determine whether a diet of high saturated fat and avoidance of starch (HSF-SA) results in weight loss without adverse effects on serum lipids in obese nondiabetic patients. HSF-SA diet results in weight loss after 6 weeks without adverse effects on serum lipid levels verified by nuclear magnetic resonance, and further weight loss with a lipid-neutral effect may persist for up to 52 weeks.

Comparative Study of the Effects of a 1-Year Dietary Intervention of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet Versus a Low-Fat Diet on Weight and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes

Among patients with type 2 diabetes, after 1 year a low-carbohydrate diet had effects on weight and A1C similar to those seen with a low-fat diet. There was no significant effect on blood pressure, but the low-carbohydrate diet produced a greater increase in HDL cholesterol. Weight loss occurred faster in the low-carbohydrate group than in the low-fat group in the first 3 months.