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Do you prefer one option over the other?
When discussing different strategies for weight loss, there is an almost religious debate between the cut-the-carbs group and the cut-the-fat group.
The first group argues that if you cut down on carbs (which act as the body’s main source of energy), you prime your metabolism to burn more fat, leading to the loss of excess body weight.
The other group argues that by cutting fat (which contains more than double the calories of carbs), it becomes much easier to reach the calorie deficit needed for weight loss.
But is there a winner between the two strategies? Luckily, science has taken a close look at this question.
None seems superior
Hundreds of studies have been conducted on the subject, and the results are mixed.
In 2015, a study from the National Institutes of Health found that low-fat diets were “better than cutting carbs” when aiming for weight loss, the BBC reported at the time.
On the other hand, a 2018 study from Stanford University found that it was effectively a draw between the two strategies.
After reviewing the scientific literature on the topic, there does not appear to be any clear consensus on whether a low-carb or low-fat strategy is best for weight loss.
Instead, the answer appears to lie in a third option.
What works for you
Losing weight is a matter of maintaining a calorie deficit for weeks, months, or even years, depending on where you start and where you want to end.
This means you need to find a weight-loss strategy that works for you — and that you can stick to for as long as necessary.
So if you choose low-carb and can stick to it, bravo. If you choose low-fat and can stick to that, bravo as well.
In the long run, it all comes down to what works best for you personally.
Always consult a health professional before making any major dietary changes or significantly increasing physical activity.
Sources: BBC, National Institutes of Health, Stanford University
