Macronutrient Composition of Diet and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

Detailed Summary

The objective of this trial is to examine the long-term effects of a diet low in carbohydrates, as compared to one low in fat, on cardiovascular disease risk factors, including blood pressure (BP), body weight and composition, serum lipids, plasma glucose, insulin, adipocytokines (adiponectin, leptin, resistin), and C-reactive protein (CRP) among obese adults. The investigators will test the following hypotheses: Hypothesis 1: Compared to a low fat diet, a diet low in carbohydrates will reduce systolic and diastolic BP over 12 months; Hypothesis 2: Compared to a low fat diet, a diet low in carbohydrates will reduce body weight, total percent body fat, and waist circumference over 12 months; Hypothesis 3: Compared to a low fat diet, a diet low in carbohydrates will reduce serum levels of LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides and increase serum levels of HDL-cholesterol over 12 months; Hypothesis 4: Compared to a low fat diet, a diet low in carbohydrates will reduce plasma levels of glucose and insulin levels over 12 months; and Hypothesis 5: Compared to a low fat diet, a diet low in carbohydrates will reduce plasma levels of leptin, resistin, and CRP and increase plasma levels of adiponectin over 12 months.

Study Details

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Interventions