This week, we summarize the top five news articles and studies in the low-carb realm, plus some success stories.
- Why can some people scarf down carbs and not gain weight? A new study, published in PLOS Genetics, suggests that "lucky" genes are part of the answer. But if genes load the gun, environment pulls the trigger, and for those with the "unlucky" genes, other studies indicate that careful attention to diet often helps overcome genetics.
- An endocrinologist's opinion piece for CNBC predicts that continuous blood glucose monitoring (CGM) will be common in a few years, even among people who do not have diabetes. He argues that the devices are improving, becoming more comfortable and powerful. At the same time, scientists and users are realizing that CGM enables people to understand how specific foods impact their own blood sugar response, allowing for a highly personalized approach to healthy eating.
- Yet another large observational study, published in the International Journal of Cardiology, finds that dairy fat consumption is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Note that this study used blood levels of specific fatty acids as the measure of dairy fat consumption. Although imperfect, it is much more objective than the notoriously unreliable food frequency questionnaires used in most studies. This study reinforces several other recent epidemiological studies vindicating full-fat dairy.
- A 43-member expert commission appointed by the journal The Lancet takes a three-year look at climbing global obesity and undernutrition rates and attempts to propose solutions to this growing world-wide crisis. The commission applies a systems approach and concludes with nine key recommendations. Perhaps most notable, it points the finger at the food and beverage industries as part of the problem, suggesting that industry should not be allowed to participate in health policymaking.
- In case you hadn't guessed, a new study published in the journal BMJ documents that consuming deep-fried food daily is weakly associated with higher rates of cardiovascular death. This observational finding has many possible confounders: Is it the unstable vegetable oils in the fryers? Is it the coating? Is it the high heat? Or, is it just that only otherwise unhealthy people eat deep fried chicken, fish, and French fries every day?
Want more?
What does the science say about whether meat is healthy or unhealthy? Did we really just spend tax dollars so the CDC could confirm that most of the food served in offices (think: cake in the break room) is unhealthy? In a clinical setting, is a more moderate low-carb diet better for adherence than a keto regimen? Will "eat less, exercise more" work for your pet? Are you ready for Fizz-Free February? Why are plans for warning labels on sugary beverages sold in San Francisco not moving forward? What are the six principles for successful self-management of type 1 diabetes? Does your purchase of "ugly" produce really help with food waste? Do captive snakes need a gym to slim down?
- Jason dove into keto and intermittent fasting last May, cold turkey. He added more movement, too. Eight months later, he is down 145 pounds (65 kilos) and has eliminated statins and blood pressure meds.
- What does losing 100 pounds (45 kilos) on keto do for Matt Schiffman? He tells Reader's Digest: "I'm no longer in pain. I feel better at 36 than I did at 21. I look and feel better. I feel mentally sharper, too, which is something I never expected."
- Rachel's type 2 diabetes diagnosis was a wake-up call. She switched to a low-carb lifestyle and has reversed her diabetes. Along the way, she lost 85 pounds (38 kilos).
- Neil loses 50 (23 kilos) pounds by hitting the gym. When he plateaus, he tries keto and loses another 65 pounds (29 kilos). Impressive transformation!
- A young mom is down about 100 pounds (45 kilos) and off all diabetes meds with keto. "After just six months on keto, I successfully got off insulin injections - and as of right now, I'm currently not on any medication to manage my diabetes."
- A mom loses over 200 pounds by following a ketogenic diet. Relearning what to eat was a challenge "until it became the new normal."
- Top Chef's Chris Scott shares his "sort of keto" regimen for losing 25 pounds (and keeping it off).
Tune in next week!
About
This news gathering is from our collaborator Jennifer Calihan, who also blogs at Eat the Butter. Feel free to check out the keto meal-idea-generator on her site.
