Aim. To investigate the effects of weight loss during an 8-week very low carbohydrate diet (VLCD) on improvement of metabolic parameters, adipose distribution and body composition, and insulin resistance and sensitivity in Chinese obese subjects.Methods. Fifty-three healthy obese volunteers were given an 8-week VLCD. The outcomes were changes in anthropometry, body composition, metabolic profile, abdominal fat distribution, liver fat percent (LFP), and insulin resistance and sensitivity.Results. A total of 46 (86.8%) obese subjects completed the study. The VLCD caused a weight loss of−8.7±0.6 kg (mean ± standard error (SE),P<0.0001) combined with a significant improvement of metabolic profile. In both male and female, nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) significantly decreased (−166.2±47.6 μmol/L,P=0.001) andβ-hydroxybutyric acid (BHA) increased (0.15±0.06 mmol/L,P=0.004) after eight weeks of VLCD intervention. The significant reductions in subcutaneous fat area (SFA), visceral fat area (VFA), and LFP were−66.5±7.9 cm2,−35.3±3.9 cm2, and−16.4±2.4%, respectively (allPvaluesP<0.0001). HOMA IR and HOMAβsignificantly decreased while whole body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI) increased (allPvaluesP<0.001).Conclusion. Eight weeks of VLCD was an effective intervention in obese subjects. These beneficial effects may be associated with enhanced hepatic and whole-body lipolysis and oxidation.
Changes in Body Composition with Weight Loss: Obese Subjects Randomized to Surgical and Medical Programs*
