Press Release Source: Atkins Health and Medical Information Services

Atkins Research Update
Thursday November 7, 5:03 pm ET

NEW YORK, Nov. 7 /PRNewswire/ --

* Volume 1, Issue II
* November 2002
* Controlled carbohydrate nutritional practices are now more than ever being


studied for efficacy and long-term safety as well as in connection with a
variety of health and disease modalities. Certain studies are specifically
focusing on the outcomes that result from following the Atkins Nutritional
Approach(TM) (ANA).

As an ongoing service from Atkins Health & Medical Information Services to practicing physicians and medical and lifestyle journalists, our communications department will be providing you with the latest developments in clinical research as they occur and are reported. If you would like any further information or access to our complete library of published controlled carbohydrate research, please contact Melissa Skabich or Gina Mangiaracina at 212-714-0300 or mskabich~wwafsp.com. You can also find the complete library of published studies in The Science Behind Atkins section at http://www.atkinscenter.com .

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE

* 53 obese women were divided into groups and followed low-carbohydrate
and low-fat eating regimens. After six months with both groups eating
the same amount of calories daily, the women following the
low-carbohydrate diet lost more weight and more body fat than those
following the low-fat plan, and experienced normal blood pressure and
blood sugar levels indicating no cardiovascular problems.
Presented by Bonnie Brehm, R.D., University of Cincinnati, October 2002

* 50 patients followed a low-carbohydrate diet for six months, of whom
80% lost an average of 20 pounds and saw their cholesterol levels
improve.
Research published by Eric D. Westman, M.D., Duke University, et al.,
in American Journal of Medicine, July 2002

* 120 obese men and women followed the Atkins Diet for 26 weeks and lost
more weight compared to others who followed a low-fat approach. Atkins
subjects also showed significantly greater improvements in
triglycerides and good cholesterol.
Research presented by Gary D. Foster, Ph.D., University of
Pennsylvania, February 2002


RECENT STUDIES

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION-FUNDED STUDY AT UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI SHOWS
SHORT-TERM BENEFITS OF LOW-CARBOHYDRATE OVER LOW-FAT DIETS --
Publication Pending


A recent study from University of Cincinnati in Ohio has revealed the short-term benefits of a low-carbohydrate diet. The study examined 53 obese women, who were divided into groups and followed low-carbohydrate (carbohydrate intake less than 10% of their calories) and low-fat (fat calories 30% or less of their daily intake) eating regimens. After six months of both groups eating the same amount of calories daily, the women following the low-carbohydrate diet lost 10 more pounds of body weight and six more pounds of body fat than those following the low-fat plan.

Most importantly, the dieters experienced normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels indicating no cardiovascular problems on the low-carbohydrate plan.

Brehm, BJ, et al.: Effects of a Low Carbohydrate Diet on Body Weight and Cardiovascular Risk Factors, University of Cincinnati, Abstract presented at 85th Annual Meeting of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) October 2002.

* NEW FINDINGS OUT OF DUKE CORROBORATE EARLIER STUDIES DEMONSTRATING
* CARDIOPROTECTIVE BENEFITS OF LOW-CARBOHYDRATE KETOGENIC DIET --
* Publication Pending

At the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Chicago held this month, Duke researcher, Eric Westman, M.D., M.H.S., presented preliminary results on his soon-to-be-published study, "Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet Program on Fasting Lipid Subfractions". The two-arm randomized, controlled study examined a group of overweight individuals with elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels who were put on either a low-fat, low-calorie, high-carbohydrate diet or a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet that was supplemented with a formula containing fish, borage and flaxseed oil. While both groups of dieters lost weight, the low-carbohydrate dieters outperformed the low-fat group by 5% in 24 weeks on the program.

Both programs benefited cholesterol levels by lowering the LDL (bad cholesterol), but only the low-carbohydrate program showed a major decrease in the ratio of triglycerides to HDL (good cholesterol), another documented risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The ratio was reduced by an impressive 53% in the low-carbohydrate group versus only 6% in the low-fat group.

Dr. Westman is the author of "Effect of 6-Month Adherence to a Very Low Carbohydrate Diet Program", published in the American Journal of Medicine, July 2002, which reported on a six month weight-loss study that monitored 50 subjects who were following low-carbohydrate, ketogenic program. Data gathered included the results of laboratory tests, weight/waist measurements, diet composition, symptoms and side effects. The results showed that low- carbohydrate, ketogenic program is not only effective in weight loss and management, but manifests significant improvement in a number of cardiovascular disease risk factors.

* NIH FUNDING GRANTED TO SUPPORT A FIVE-YEAR STUDY BASED ON THE RESULTS OF A
* TRI-CENTER PILOT STUDY COMPARING THE ATKINS DIET TO A LOW-FAT APPROACH --
* Publication Pending

Contrary to their expectations that the Atkins Diet would elevate risk factors for heart disease, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania (the principle investigator), the University of Colorado and Washington University found quite the contrary. At the annual meeting of the North American Association for the Study of Obesity in February of 2002, Gary D. Foster, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, presented preliminary results of a randomized, controlled trial of 120 obese men and women comparing the Atkins Diet with a conventional low-fat, high-carbohydrate plan. Not only did the Atkins subjects lose considerably more weight than the low-fat group, their triglycerides dropped and their HDL "good" cholesterol increased. The low-fat followers experienced significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL "bad" cholesterol, but no significant changes in triglycerides and HDL. Foster reported that these improvements continued after 26 weeks of following the Atkins Diet. Furthermore, he observed that compliance is consistently higher over time among controlled the Atkins followers than among low-fat dieters.

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT PUBLISHES RESULTS ON KETOSIS SAFETY AND BENEFIT
STUDIES


Two recently-published studies show that ketosis, the controversial metabolic process often associated with the Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM), may not only be harmless but may also be beneficial. One study demonstrated that subjects in ketosis, due to a controlled carbohydrate diet, experienced statistically significant improvement in blood markers that have been shown to predict coronary artery disease. This finding clearly refutes the claim that lipids improve solely as a result of weight loss. The second study found that people lost fat (an average of seven pounds), while actually gaining muscle (an average of two pounds) in only six weeks. In essence these individuals lost an average of five pounds not only preserving their muscle mass, but also increasing it. Both published studies come out of the University of Connecticut's Human Performance Laboratory and were conducted on normal-weight men with normal cholesterol levels.

The first study, "A Ketogenic Diet Favorably Affects Serum Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Disease in Normal-Weight Men", published in the July 2002 issue of the Journal of Nutrition, shows that ketosis is not only harmless but may actually improve the blood markers that have been shown to predict coronary artery disease. The results showed that fasting TG was decreased by 33%, post-meal lipids by 29%, LDL particle size increased, and fasting insulin concentrations by 34% after the ketogenic diet. LDL and total cholesterol were unchanged by the diet, HDL ("good" cholesterol) tended to be slightly increased, suggesting a favorable outcome in this predictor of improved cardiovascular risk.

The second study, "Body Composition and Hormonal Responses to a Carbohydrate Restricted Diet", published in the July 2002 issue of Metabolism, examined how the normal-weight body responds to six weeks of a carbohydrate restricted diet (8% carbohydrate, 61% fat, 30% protein) compared with a traditional diet (47% carbohydrate, 32% fat, 17% protein) that involved equal caloric intake. At week six, this study, with 12 subjects, found that people lost fat (an average of seven pounds), while actually gaining muscle (an average of two pounds). The average weight loss of five pounds was achieved while not only preserving muscle mass, but also increasing it. Because this positive change occurred in conjunction with lowered insulin levels (a hormone measured in the blood that is stimulated by carbohydrate intake and has been associated with the conversion of excess carbohydrate to body fat), it is postulated that the reduction in the hormone insulin was responsible for this.

Volek, JS, et al.: A Ketogenic Diet Favorably Affects Serum Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Disease in Normal-Weight Men. Journal of Nutrition, July 2002.

Volek, JS, et al.: Body Composition and Hormonal Response to a Carbohydrate Restricted Diet. Metabolism, July 2002.

CENTER OF CARDIOVASCULAR PREVENTION, HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL, CASTS FURTHER
DOUBTS ON CARBOHYDRATES


A recent published study from the Center of Cardiovascular Prevention, Division of Preventive Medicine, Harvard Medical School, showed the heart health dangers of eating foods with a high-glycemic load (refined carbohydrates like sugar, white flour and processed foods). The study examined 244 healthy women and measured the relation between a diet with a high-glycemic load and plasma concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in middle-aged women. The results of the study show that eating rapidly-digested and absorbed carbohydrates with a high-glycemic load will increase the risk of ischemic heart disease. Overweight women were more severely affected in the study than regular weight women.

Liu S, Manson JE, Buring JE, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Ridker PM. Center of Cardiovascular Prevention, the Division of Preventive Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02215, USA.

Liu S, Manson JE, Buring JE, et al. Relation between a diet with a high glycemic load and plasma concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in middle-aged women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2002 75(3):492-8.

* PHILADELPHIA VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL CENTER STUDY USES
* LOW-CARBOHYDRATE DIET TO REDUCE NEED FOR MEDICATION IN DIABETICS --
* Publication Pending

At the 62nd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, researchers from the Philadelphia Veterans Administration Medical Center presented a pilot study that demonstrated how a low-carbohydrate eating regimen can better control weight and blood sugar levels than a low-calorie, low-fat diet in diabetes patients.

Fourteen patients completed this U.S. Government-funded study; six followed a low-fat diet and eight followed the low-carbohydrate approach. At the end of six months, four of the eight low-carbohydrate followers were able to reduce their diabetes medications, whereas three of the low-fat dieters actually had to increase their medication. The low-carbohydrate followers also lost more weight and experienced significantly more improvement in blood sugar and cholesterol levels, especially a significant decrease in triglycerides.

Stern, L, et al.: A Pilot Study Comparing a Low Carbohydrate and Low Fat Diet on Weight and Glycemic Control in Obese Diabetics. The Philadelphia Veterans Administration Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Abstract presented at 62nd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), June 2002.

NEW RESEARCH

ELITE HEALTH AND WELLNESS, GRADUATE HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA TO EXAMINE ROLE OF EXERCISE IN ATKINS AS A LIFESTYLE

Elite Health and Wellness, located within Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, under principle investigator, Stuart Trager, M.D., will be looking at the benefits of exercise while following the Lifetime Maintenance phase of the Atkins Nutritionals Approach(TM). The study will examine whether exercise will allow Atkins followers to tolerate a higher number of carbohydrates, and also will demonstrate the significant impact that aerobic exercise has in lowering cardiovascular risk. Finally, the researchers will determine if there is some compromise to the amount of carbohydrates a lifetime Atkins follower can consume if combined with a regular exercise regimen.

The study will include 20 subjects, males and females ages 18-65, who have successfully completed three months of Lifetime Maintenance on the Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM). The participants will exercise four times per week for 12 weeks, and by week three of the study they will be burning 350 calories per workout. The subjects will ingest 50 grams (200 calories) of complex carbohydrates after each workout and their daily total caloric intake will be calculated. The initial body weight of the participants will be compared to the body weight after 12 weeks to determine the net effect of exercise upon the carbohydrate threshold.

NEW YORK CITY'S ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE RECRUITING FOR STUDY TO MEASURE HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE PARAMETERS OF A KETOGENIC DIET IN WOMEN

Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, New York, NY is about to begin recruiting volunteers for a 12-week study comparing the metabolic and physiological effects of low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets. The study, "The Metabolic Impact Study of Ketogenic Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Weight Loss Diets", will measure fat loss, various blood profiles, satiety and quality of life. This study is being conducted by C.J. Segal-Isaacson, Ed.D., who is also heading the new Controlled Carbohydrate Assessment Registry Bank Study (CCARBS).

CCARBS will launch its Web site shortly and will use the Web site to track the food intake and weight patterns of individuals following a controlled carbohydrate lifestyle over a period of several years. The current National Weight Control Registry based at the University of Colorado has focused primarily on low-fat followers and has not captured a statistically significant representation of the millions of Americans following a controlled carbohydrate lifestyle. CCARBS will at long last fill in this gap in our knowledge and understanding of weight loss and long-term maintenance once a healthy weight is achieved.

BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL STUDY FULLY UNDERWAY

The pilot study conducted by a team of researchers, under principle investigator Penelope J. Greene, Ph.D., at Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, affiliated with Harvard University's School of Public Health, is underway with results expected in early 2003. The study will compare a low-fat diet to the Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM). Researchers will investigate differences in weight loss, blood lipid levels and glucose sensitivity among three different menu plans: two isocaloric reduced-calorie diets (one a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and the other a reduced-calorie, controlled carbohydrate, ketogenic diet) and a higher caloric, controlled carbohydrate ketogenic diet. All food, including snacks and beverages, will be provided to 45 moderately obese men and women (15 in each diet group) for three months. Outcome comparison measures will include weight loss, fat loss and risk factors of health (e.g., serum cholesterol and triglycerides). Subjects will also be monitored for adherence and any adverse events.

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