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The Skinny on Low Carb/Low Fat

997 views · Published 5 October 2014 · 1:49 · Indexed 31 October 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2014 · Science & Technology

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Hold that diet - this may be music to the sound of some people’s ears - a new take on the great low carb versus low fat debate.

We put it to mother of two Leslie Edvenson who was picnicking in the park. Which is better for losing weight – low carb or low fat? “I would guess low-carb,” Edvenson answered.  

That’s the right, according to the skinny from a new study that looked at about 150 dieters ages 22 to 75. And followed them for a year. The results - low carb eaters lost 8 pounds more than their low fat counterparts. 

“A lot of the breads and things that you hear that are high in carbs and that people try to stay away from when they want to lose weight. That’s why I guessed that,” says Edvenson. 

Carb counting is a proven part of a diabetic eating plan. Diabetes educators have long said the food counseling they provide their clients actually amounts to a healthy eating plan for everyone.

“We usually say in class that everybody should be following a healthy meal plan, not just because you have diabetes,” says Melanie Aracri. 

Melanie works as a diabetes educator with Lee Memorial Health System. 

“With the diabetes meal plan, it’s the increased consumption of the vegetables. Half the plate full of vegetables, monitoring your portions of the carbohydrates, trying to choose more whole grains and then of course monitoring your portions of your meats,” says Aracri. 

Actually people on both low carb and low fat diets can find success in shedding pounds. Following the golden rule of moderation.

“That’s what we kind of feel like in our home is the portion size is very important. We try not to overeat,” says Edvenson. 

“It’s a learning how to adapt your eating pattern to your lifelong activities,” says Aracri. 

While cutting carbs may have the edge, a healthy diet may be your best fill-up. 
View More Health Matters video segments at leememorial.org/healthmatters/

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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