There are countless opinions on the best way to lose weight. The most well-known approach to weight loss is creating a calorie deficit by eating less and moving more. However, research suggests that the body fights against calorie restriction by slowing down the metabolism and increasing hunger.
Instead of calorie restriction, a recent study suggests that some people can benefit from a different model for weight loss: low carbohydrate diets.
A Low Carb Approach to Weight Loss
In September 2021, a group of obesity doctors and scientists published a report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition presenting a different approach to losing weight: the carbohydrate-insulin model.
This new approach is based on the premise that eating a lot of processed and rapidly-digestible carbohydrates like white bread, white rice or pasta stimulates the production of insulin, the hormone that promotes the storage of calories into fat cells. If not enough calories are left in the bloodstream, it can trigger the feeling of hunger and lead to overeating.
The carbohydrate-insulin model can help people control their insulin levels by reducing refined carbohydrates and replacing them with healthy sources of high-fat foods and a moderate intake of whole grains, whole fruits, legumes and vegetables. Unlike just restricting calories, it does not depend on a person exercising extreme discipline and ignoring the body's hunger cues.
Balance is Key
For some people, low carb living works well and is one approach to consider when determining what might work best for you.