HDL Cholesterol: Low Carb vs. Low Fat

A new study published in the August 3rd issue of Annals of Internal Medicine shows that low carb diets are more effective at boosting levels of HDL (good) cholesterol in very obese people (those with a BMI of 36) than low fat diets. This is good news for low carbers, as it bolsters their claim that eating low carb is not only an effective way to lose weight, but a harmless one, too. Naturally, the media are all over this study, and that's understandable.

In response, dietitians from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) issued a statement noting that the people assigned the low-fat diet were in fact eating a calorie-restricted diet rather than a strictly low fat one. Their fat intake was limited to 30 percent of calories, which for many doesn't meet the definition of low fat. The committee also notes that more low carbers dropped out of the study than those on the calorie-restricted diet, and that in the end those on the low fat/calorie-restricted diet actually did a bit better in terms of triglyceride levels, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. Weight loss was about the same in both groups.

Still, raising HDL cholesterol is a good thing, yes? Indeed, but the PCRM quotes low-fat guru Dean Ornish thus, "You don't need that many garbage trucks (HDL) if you don't have that much garbage (LDL)."