New study proves glycemic index a winner

Support for using the glycemic index to lose weight has surged after the release of a new Australian study.

The glycemic index (GI) measures the impact of food on blood sugar levels. High GI foods are digested quickly and cause a sugar rush, and foods with a low GI are absorbed slowly and keep you full for longer.

Researchers from the University of Sydney recruited 129 obese or overweight adults aged 18 to 40. The participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 reduced-fat, high fibre diets for 12 weeks. Two of the selected diets were high in GI, one protein based and one carbohydrate based, and two diets were low in GI, again one protein based and one carbohydrate based.

While all participants experienced an average weight loss of 5%, results showed that participants on the low GI carbohydrate diet lost almost double the amount of weight than those on the high GI carbohydrate diet. In female participants, the weight loss was even greater.

The study concluded that both high-protein and low-GI diets increase weight loss, but that low GI and high carbohydrate diets are most effective at reducing cardiovascular risk.

Remember: If you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, it is important to seek the advice of your doctor or specialist before making any changes to your diet.

Source: Arch Intern Med. 2006; 166
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/166/14/1466