Is a low-carbohydrate diet safe and effective for losing weight?

Answer 1

A recent study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of low-carbohydrate weight-loss diets, reporting that a low-carbohydrate diet was an effective alternative to low-fat diets and a Mediterranean diet with little loss of lean tissue and no harmful effects on bone health. Those following a low-carbohydrate diet lost on average of 10 lbs. after 2 years and had improvements in blood lipid levels and glucose levels when compared to participants consuming the low-fat diet and Mediterranean diet.
Due to the high protein intake, a low- carbohydrate diet is not advisable for people with impaired kidney function. Of concern is the restriction of healthy high-carbohydrate foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grains. Low-carbohydrate diets may lack essential micronutrients, dietary fiber, and beneficial phytochemicals.
A low-carbohydrate diet consists of limited food choices due to restricted carbohydrates, and appetite is decreased with ketosis. Thus, overall kcalorie reduction is most likely the cause for the weight reduction and not the body burning energy more efficiently.