Researchers in Australia recently completed a study designed to measure mood changes in dieters over one year. They divided 106 participants into two random groups and gave each group a reduced-calorie diet. One half were put on low-carbohydrate diets and the other half were put on low-fat diets.
The scientists collected data on the amount of weight lost, mood, cognitive function and memory. After one year, there wasn't much difference between the low-carb and low-fat dieters as far as weight loss (both groups lost about the same), cognitive function and memory. But there was a difference in mood - the low-fat dieters were happier than the low-carb dieters.The scientists collected data on the amount of weight lost, mood, cognitive function and memory. After one year, there wasn't much difference between the low carb and low fat dieters as far as weight loss (both groups lost about the same), cognitive function and memory. But there was a difference in mood - the low fat dieters were happier than the low carb dieters.
So can this be true? Can cutting back on fats rather than carbohydrates make you happier? Maybe. This is just the first study to look at the long term effect of dietary composition on mood after weight loss, but it is plausible. Your brain likes glucose as fuel (yes, I know your body can make glucose from fat, but studies show eating carbs improves short term cognitive function) and eating carbohydrates stimulates serotonin, a brain chemical that is essential for good mood.
I think this study is interesting, although personally I don't feel any need to get involved in a low-carb vs. low-fat diet war. I believe there are good (and bad) components of each ideology. Low-carb diets get rid of the extra sugar, but it also eliminates a lot of healthy foods like many fruits, some vegetables and whole grains. Low-fat diets cut out saturated fats, but you can also miss out on the essential omega-3 and omega-6 fats that your body can't make on it's own.
Tell me about your experiences with weight loss diets and mood. Have you lost weight on a low-fat or low-carb diet? Do you prefer one over the other?
I lost 15 pounds over six weeks with the Ketogenic Mediterranean Diet. No major difference in my mood. I seem to have more energy since I’m not carrying so much weith, and it’s easier to get on my horse.
BTW, the study you mention had an interesting flaw. At the outset of the study, before any intervention, twice as many people in the low-carb group were on anti-depressants. So it may not be fair to compare the moods of each group. They should have done the study with equal numbers of depressed people in both groups, or with people free of depression.
-Steve
I really think the whole concept of “going on a diet” is badly flawed. Too often people cut back, or follow some vogue regimen, and then return to the diet and lifestyle that makes them overweight to begin with. Often they end up heavier than before the diet. People (especially Americans) also want results NOW. It make have taken them 15 yeard to get in the shape they are in, but they want a diet that makes them svelt in 3 months.
I think we need to start thinking in terms of “having a diet” rather than “being on a diet”. If we can alter the way we eat and live, make our new eating and living style simple the way we are and not a thing we are doing, the weight will come off and stay off and we will sustain it and live healthier (and happier) lives as a result.
That’s a good point, however after removing those subjects from the final analysis, the results didn’t change. And after 8 weeks, both groups were about the same – the main changes apparently occurred later.
I agree they should have removed those subjects from the outset of the study. And, this is just one study, and there really isn’t much else to compare it to (as far as long term mood benefits yet).
On the topic of Mediterranean diets, there was a study published recently connecting Mediterranean diets with improved mood. As far as ‘diets’ go, I prefer the Mediterranean diet, although I’ve never felt a need to follow the ketogenic version of it. With it’s healthy fats, protein sources and green vegetables, it certainly seems like a very healthy way to follow a low-carb diet if that’s what a person chooses.
I couldn’t agree more, Steve. Eating healthy foods, understanding when you’re really hungry instead of eating for emotional reasons, and getting sufficient physical activity need to become habit.
I know for your mood you should use an all natural way instead of anti-depressants. The best way is to up your protein intake which helps you handle stress. High protein diets helps deal w/ stress, plus promote lean muscle mass or be toned for the ladies which we all want. I know cutting back on carbs is hard to do, but becomes easy to follow. best of luck!
There are many different forms of low-carb dieting. On the South Beach plan, you can eat carbs, just in limited number and it depends on what kind of carbs you eat. Eating a lentil soup, for example, is a great way to get carbs, fiber, protein, etc rather than a slice of white sandwich bread. Whole grains are allowed up until one feels cravings returning. I think you’d have to look at the broad range of what low-carb means to get this. Also, you don’t have to eat a lot of fat either: perfectly feasible to be low-carb and low-fat on a sensible version of this diet or Mediterranean, etc. And still get lots of vegetables and daily fruit intake as well.
PS I’m speaking of the permanent version of the “diets” .. that is, long-term eating for health