High-Fat/Low-Carb Diets Increase Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease

A Swedish study has found that low carbohydrate/high fat diets help short term weight loss, but the loss is not maintained over the long term. In fact, the diet increases blood cholesterol, which has a major impact on risk of cardiovascular disease. The study looked at 25 years of data from a regional and national dietary intervention to reduce fat intake. The intervention decreased cholesterol levels. The program then switched to a popular high fat/low carbohydrate diet that, in turn,  raised cholesterol levels. Body mass index (BMI) increased over the 25 years, regardless of either diet; both the increase in BMI and cholesterol levels increased cardiovascular risk.