The Bottom Line. Low-calorie diets produce weight loss regardless of which macronutrients they emphasize (Sacks et al., 2009). When total calories are the same, the macronutrient distributions of the diet do not affect the amount of weight lost over time. However,
■ Low-carbohydrate diets produce a greater weight and fat loss than low-fat or balanced weight loss diets during the first 6 months and may be preferred by some people who want to see quick results.
■ There is a risk of not consuming adequate amounts of all micronutrients with either a very-low-carbohydrate diet or a very-low-fat diet.
■ Although weight loss and fat loss do not appear related to the percentage of protein consumed, lean muscle mass is better preserved among dieters who consume a higher protein intake (e.g., 27% of total calories from protein vs. 16%) (Farnsworth et al., 2003). Weight loss diets with 25% to 30% of protein may also provide greater satiety (Schoeller and Buchholz, 2005).
■ The “best” type of diet is individualized to the client’s preference and health status.