Glycemic Index Not a Good Weight-Loss Tool
(3 comments)
Here's news dieters may want to weigh.
You've probably heard of the glycemic index (GI)—a rating system that looks at how fast carbohydrates will affect blood glucose levels. Though a somewhat controversial measure, some scientists believe the GI might be helpful to dieters and those working to manage blood glucose levels after eating. But new research published in the
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that when it comes to weight loss, the GI may not provide additional benefits.
In a study, 34 overweight adults were randomly assigned to one of two calorie-restricted diet groups: one with a higher glycemic load (60% carbohydrate, 20% fat, 20% protein) and one with a lower glycemic load (about 40% carbohydrate, 30% fat, 30% protein). After one year, both groups had lost weight, with no significant differences between groups.
Though some studies have shown other benefits to a low-GI diet (such as improved metabolism), dieters may want to weigh the cost of less variety and the palatability of foods before depending on a low-GI diet to help them lose weight.
3 Comments
The glycemic index was orginally developed for people with diabetes as a way of identifying the quality of carbohydrates. I am a lifestyle coach and this is a major factor for people to lose weight. I have both men and women that have lost 20 lbs or more on this program, and there a hundreds across the country who have done the same. see www.transitionslifestyle.com for more about the program and testimonials. if you are interested in finding a local group email me at jamcnelly@msn.com
Posted at
10:58 AM
September 13 2007
by
healthylife,
Lancaster PA'
What was the name of the study, where was it published and by who was it done?
There is no real need to post this as it is simply a question that you may e-mail me about ot your convenience.
Thank you for the wondeful website and services.
T.
Posted at
11:55 PM
September 24 2007
by
T.,
elk grove CA'
There are a couple of suspicious things about this little blurb. First of all, 34 people is nowhere near a statistically significant sample. Second, the study seems to say they just varied the overall carbohydrate intake between the two groups (40% vs. 60%) - not whether they used carbs low on the GI index.
There's just too much info out there that proves (to my mind anyway) that the GI index is an extremely useful tool for those of us trying to manage our weight. I've personally had some success with it although I do have to agree that eating low GI is tricky in terms of flavor and texture. You certainly have to be creative with seasonings to adapt to some of the low GI foods.
Posted at
1:36 PM
September 14 2007
by
seattlemom41,
Buckley '
