The Latest Fat Loss Research MD Fat Bytes By Steve Blechman and
Tom Fahey, Ed.D. Low Carbohydrate Diets Linked to Long-Term
Psychological Problems Losing weight is psychological torture
for most people. The long-term success of weight loss diets
depends on the psychological capacity to eat less food.
Australian researchers found that people following low-fat diets
(LF; 46 percent carbohydrate, 24 percent protein, and 30 percent
fat) were psychologically healthier after 12 months than those
following low-carbohydrate diets (LC; 35 percent protein, 61
percent fat, 4 percent carbohydrate). Both groups ate reduced-
calorie diets (1,433 calories per day for women and 1,672
calories per day for men) and lost similar amounts of weight (30
pounds). At 12 months, the low-carb group scored higher in
measures of depression, anxiety, anger-hostility, tension, and
dejection. The LF group showed less fatigue and better all-
around mood. Reduced-calorie diets that are either low or high
in carbohydrates produce similar weight