Based on the evidence review ed , low-CHO and very-low-CHO diets are not superior to other dietary approaches for weight loss .
These diets may have advantages related to appetite control , triglyceride reduction , and reduction in the use of medication in T2D management .
The evidence review ed showed mixed effects on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with some studies showing an increase .
There was no clear evidence for advantages regarding effects on other cardiometabolic risk markers .
Historically , low-carbohydrate ( CHO ) and very-low-CHO diets have been used for weight loss .
Recently , these diets have been promoted for type 2 diabetes ( T2D ) management .
This scientific statement provides a comprehensive review of the current evidence base available from recent systematic review s and meta-analyses on the effects of low-CHO and very-low-CHO diets on body weight , lipoprotein lipids , glycemic control , and other cardiometabolic risk factors .
Body Composition Changes After Very-Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet in Obesity Evaluated by 3 Standardized Methods
Context : Common concerns when using low-calorie diets as a treatment for obesity are the reduction in fat-free mass , mostly muscular mass , that occurs together with the fat mass ( FM ) loss , and determining the best method ologies to evaluate body composition changes . Objective : This study aim ed to evaluate the very-low-calorie ketogenic ( VLCK ) diet-induced changes in body composition of obese patients and to compare 3 different method ologies used to evaluate those changes . Design : Twenty obese patients followed a VLCK diet for 4 months .  Body composition assessment was performed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry ( DXA ) , multifrequency bioelectrical impedance ( MF-BIA ) , and air displacement plethysmography ( ADP ) techniques . Muscular strength was also assessed . Measurements were performed at 4 points matched with the ketotic phases ( basal , maximum ketosis , ketosis declining , and out of ketosis ) . Results : After 4 months the VLCK diet induced a −20.2 ± 4.5 kg weight loss , at expenses of reductions in fat mass ( FM ) of −16.5 ± 5.1 kg ( DXA ) , −18.2 ± 5.8 kg ( MF-BIA ) , and −17.7 ± 9.9 kg ( ADP ) . A substantial decrease was also observed in the visceral FM . The mild but marked reduction in fat-free mass occurred at maximum ketosis , primarily as a result of changes in total body water , and was recovered thereafter . No changes in muscle strength were observed . A strong correlation was evidence d between the 3 methods of assessing body composition . Conclusion : The VLCK diet-induced  weight loss was mainly at the expense of FM and visceral mass ; muscle mass and strength were preserved . Of the 3 body composition techniques used , the MF-BIA method seems more convenient in the clinical setting
Based on the evidence review ed , low-CHO and very-low-CHO diets are not superior to other dietary approaches for weight loss .
These diets may have advantages related to appetite control , triglyceride reduction , and reduction in the use of medication in T2D management .
The evidence review ed showed mixed effects on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with some studies showing an increase .
There was no clear evidence for advantages regarding effects on other cardiometabolic risk markers .
Historically , low-carbohydrate ( CHO ) and very-low-CHO diets have been used for weight loss .
Recently , these diets have been promoted for type 2 diabetes ( T2D ) management .
This scientific statement provides a comprehensive review of the current evidence base available from recent systematic review s and meta-analyses on the effects of low-CHO and very-low-CHO diets on body weight , lipoprotein lipids , glycemic control , and other cardiometabolic risk factors .