1.
Effects of Low-Carbohydrate versus Mediterranean Diets on Weight Loss, Glucose Metabolism, Insulin Kinetics and β-Cell Function in Morbidly Obese Individuals.
Tricò, D, Moriconi, D, Berta, R, Baldi, S, Quinones-Galvan, A, Guiducci, L, Taddei, S, Mari, A, Nannipieri, M
Nutrients. 2021;13(4)
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Both low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean style diets are used to prevent lifestyle associated diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, which diet is more effective is unclear. The aim of this randomised control trial of 36 morbidly obese individuals was to compare the effectiveness of Mediterranean diets and low-carbohydrate diets to improve metabolic measures such as blood sugar levels, pre-diabetes, and the body’s ability to use sugar. The results showed that in the short-term both diets were equally effective at improving biochemical dysfunctions that contribute to type 2 diabetes. The low-carbohydrate diet did result in higher weight loss than the Mediterranean diet. Studies on long-term effects are warranted. It was concluded that a low-carbohydrate diet is in the short-term a feasible alternative to the Mediterranean diet for improved weight loss and biological contributors to type 2 diabetes. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that the Mediterranean diet and low-carbohydrate diet are both effective in the short-term for improvements to contributors to type 2 diabetes, however the low-carbohydrate diet may be superior if weight loss is required.
Abstract
Low-calorie Mediterranean-style or low-carbohydrate dietary regimens are widely used nutritional strategies against obesity and associated metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a balanced Mediterranean diet with a low-carbohydrate diet on weight loss and glucose homeostasis in morbidly obese individuals at high risk to develop diabetes. Insulin secretion, insulin clearance, and different β-cell function components were estimated by modeling plasma glucose, insulin and C-peptide profiles during 75-g oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) performed at baseline and after 4 weeks of each dietary intervention. The average weight loss was 5%, being 58% greater in the low-carbohydrate-group than Mediterranean-group. Fasting plasma glucose and glucose tolerance were not affected by the diets. The two dietary regimens proved similarly effective in improving insulin resistance and fasting hyperinsulinemia, while enhancing endogenous insulin clearance and β-cell glucose sensitivity. In summary, we demonstrated that a low-carbohydrate diet is a successful short-term approach for weight loss in morbidly obese patients and a feasible alternative to the Mediterranean diet for its glucometabolic benefits, including improvements in insulin resistance, insulin clearance and β-cell function. Further studies are needed to compare the long-term efficacy and safety of the two diets.
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Effects of Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity on Pulmonary Function: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in the ILERVAS Project.
Gutiérrez-Carrasquilla, L, Sánchez, E, Hernández, M, Polanco, D, Salas-Salvadó, J, Betriu, À, Gaeta, AM, Carmona, P, Purroy, F, Pamplona, R, et al
Nutrients. 2019;11(2)
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The Mediterranean diet is characterised by an abundant consumption of extra-virgin olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, a moderate consumption of fish and seafood, poultry, fermented dairy products, and red wine with meals, and low intakes of sweetened beverages, red meat and ready meals. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and physical activity on pulmonary function in a large middle-aged population at low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk. The study is an ongoing study that between 2015 and 2017 enrolled a total of 3020 subjects – women aged between 50 to 70 years and men aged between 45 to 65 years – with the presence of at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Results indicate that a low adherence to the Mediterranean diet was linked with impaired breathing patterns and higher prevalence of abnormal lung function when compared to participants with a higher adherence to this dietary pattern. Additionally, vigorous physical activity was accompanied by better results in lung function than that observed in inactive subjects. The study provides initial clinical evidence about the independent and deleterious effect of both low adherence to the Mediterranean diet and low physical activity practice on lung function in participants without known pulmonary disease.
Abstract
A few studies showed that both adherence to Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and physical activity practice have a positive impact on pulmonary function in subjects with lung disease. These associations are not well studied in subjects free from lung disease. In a cross-sectional study conducted in 3020 middle-aged subjects free of lung disease, adherence to the MedDiet using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, and physical activity practice using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form were recorded. Respiratory function was assessed using forced spirometry and the results were evaluated according to the Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations between adherence to the MedDiet and physical activity practice with the presence of ventilatory defects. Participants with a high adherence to MedDiet, in comparison to those with low adherence, had both higher forced vital capacity (FVC; 100 (87⁻109) vs. 94 (82⁻105) % of predicted, p = 0.003) and forced expired volume in the first second (FEV1; 100 (89⁻112) vs. 93 (80⁻107) % of predicted, p < 0.001). According to their degree of physical activity, those subjects with a high adherence also had both higher FVC (100 (88⁻107) vs. 94 (83⁻105) % of predicted, p = 0.027) and FEV1 (100 (89⁻110) vs. 95 (84⁻108) % of predicted, p = 0.047) in comparison with those with low adherence. The multivariable logistic regression models showed a significant and independent association between both low adherence to MedDiet and low physical activity practice, and the presence of altered pulmonary patterns, with differences between men and women. However, no joint effect between adherence to MedDiet and physical activity practice on respiratory function values was observed. Low adherence to MedDiet and low physical activity practice were independently associated with pulmonary impairment. Therefore, the lung mechanics seem to benefit from heart-healthy lifestyle behaviors.
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Functional interactions between the gut microbiota and host metabolism.
Tremaroli, V, Bäckhed, F
Nature. 2012;489(7415):242-9
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This literature review aims to discuss evidence for the role of the gut microbiota in metabolism and possible links to obesity. Obesity and caloric intake can influence the microbiota, but whether the reverse is true in humans remains unclear. Much of the mechanisms have been determined in rodents, determining similar pathways in humans is difficult. The interplay of diet, host and gut microbiota may cause increased gut permeability (leaky gut) that could lead to an increase in inflammation that may cause obesity, fatty liver disease and insulin resistance. It is increasingly accepted that gut microbiota can contribute to diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but exactly how and by how much remains unclear. Evidence for treating the microbiota to help with these metabolic diseases, either by pre- or probiotic supplementation, is building. However, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are required to determine effects. The influence of the gut microbiota is a promising area, but one that needs further research.
Abstract
The link between the microbes in the human gut and the development of obesity, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndromes, such as type 2 diabetes, is becoming clearer. However, because of the complexity of the microbial community, the functional connections are less well understood. Studies in both mice and humans are helping to show what effect the gut microbiota has on host metabolism by improving energy yield from food and modulating dietary or the host-derived compounds that alter host metabolic pathways. Through increased knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the interactions between the microbiota and its host, we will be in a better position to develop treatments for metabolic disease.