A reduced-carbohydrate diet improves outcomes in patients with metabolic syndrome: A translational study

Carbohydrate-restricted diets have been promoted for the management of central obesity, a feature of metabolic syndrome. This study evaluated the impact of a reduced-carbohydrate diet provided in a typical outpatient setting on outcomes associated with metabolic syndrome. Adults older than 21 years who met the criteria for metabolic syndrome were recruited (n ≤ 21) and received 2 nutritional counseling sessions. Changes in body weight, blood pressure, and anthropometric, glucose, and lipid outcomes were assessed. Participants lost a mean (±SD) of 5.0 (±3.4) kg (P < .05). There was a significant reduction in waist circumference, body mass index, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (all P < .01). No significant improvement in glucose or lipoprotein level was observed. Only 50% of participants met the criteria for metabolic syndrome at the end of the study. A reduced-carbohydrate diet can be effective in promoting weight loss and is accompanied by improvements in body composition and blood pressure over 3 months.