OPINION: Monday’s medical myth: cutting carbs is the best way to lose weight
Studies have shown that high-protein diets and high-carb diets resulted in the same weight loss. Image: phinizrl/iStockphoto There seems to be an endless number of fad diets and “golden rules” for weight loss. One of the most popular of these rules is that cutting carbohydrates (carbs) is the best way to lose weight. The most famous low-carb diet is the Atkins diet, first developed in the 1970s. The Atkins diet recommends limiting foods high in carbs, such as bread, pasta and rice. Carbs are replaced with foods containing a higher percentage of proteins and fats (meat, poultry, fish, eggs and cheese) and other low-carb foods (most vegetables). But what does the evidence show us about whether low-carb diets really are best for weight loss? Theoretically, a “calorie is a calorie” and it doesn’t matter what types of food the calories come from. Accordingly, all reduced-energy (calorie) diets should lead to equivalent weight loss. However, some studies...