Low-Carb and High-Fat Diet Helps Obese Older Adults

The Harvard Health blog reports that a study determined a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet might offer special health benefits for overweight or obese older adults. The study, published in Nutrition and Metabolism , had 40 obese adults 60 to 75 years old follow an eight-week diet with 10 percent of calories derived from carbs, 25 percent from protein, and 65 percent from fat. Carbs came from leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables, fruit, and high-fiber grains, while protein sources included eggs, fish, pork, and poultry. Fat sources, meanwhile, included olive oil, coconut oil, nut oils, nut butter, cheese, coconut milk, and avocados. In comparison with controls, those on the low-carb, high-fat diet lost more visceral fat, and experienced a significant reduction in insulin resistance and better cholesterol levels. These changes are associated with a lower risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Reducing carb consumption could help older adults escalate their weight-loss efforts and improve their health in ways that weight measurements do not always indicate.