This article defines low carb, high fat diet and its effect on the older population. It also discusses the effects of obesity on the older population

1. LOW-CARB, HIGH-FAT DIET EFFECT ON OLDER POPULATION
What is a low-carb, high-fat diet?
According to Bethany M. Doerfler, a clinical research dietitian in the division of gastroenterology and
hepatology at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago a low carb high fat diet has no single definition for
a low carb high fat diet. While there are some well-known low carb high fat diets like keto diet which
you need to follow to adhere to this style of eating, you can create your own low carb high fat diet
with a registered dietician. But the self-crafted diets usually deviate from the acceptable
macronutrient distribution range set by the Institute of Medicine which recommend that adults in
the U.S. get 45% to 65% of their daily calories from carbs, 20% to 35% from dietary fat and 10% to
35% from protein.
How Does Obesity Affect Older Adults?
Older adults with obesity are at a high risk of developing cardio-metabolic disease such as coronary
heart disease (CHD), stroke, and hypertension, as well as metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes
and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The deposition of fat in certain areas of the body, such
as the abdominal cavity and skeletal muscle is greatest risk of disease development in an obese older
adult.

2. Photo by: Tony Alter
What Is the Effect of Low-Carb, High-Fat Diet On Older Population?
There is scientific evidence that when you follow this diet it will help you lose weight and also
prevent some chronic diseases. One of the studies which back this up was carried out by A. Goss and
her team at the University of Alabama’s Department of Nutrition Sciences. The aim of the study was
to determine if a very low-carbohydrate (VLCD), high-fat diet would lead to a greater loss of fat
(total, visceral and intermuscular), preserve lean mass, and improve insulin sensitivity compared to a
standard CHO-based(carbohydrate)/low-fat diet (LFD) in older adults with obesity.
The clinical randomised trial was carried out on thirty-four men and women aged 60–75 years with
obesity (Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30–40kg/m2). The participants were randomised to a diet
prescription of either a Very Low Carbohydrate Diet (<10:25:65> CHO: protein: fat) or Low Fat Diet
(55: 25: 20) for 8 weeks. The body composition of the participants was tested by dual energy X-ray
absorptiometry(DXA), fat distribution by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), insulin sensitivity by
euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, and lipids by a fasting blood draw were assessed at baseline and
after the intervention. According to A. Goss after the eight-week intervention the group consuming
the very low-carbohydrate diet lost more weight and total fat mass than the control diet group.

3. Image by: amfucla
The primary difference in fat lost between the two groups was from the abdominal cavity and the
skeletal muscle depots. The research team also found significant improvements in the overall lipid
profile that would reflect decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Further, insulin sensitivity
improved in response to the very low-carbohydrate diet reflecting reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Overall, the researchers observed improvements in body composition, fat distribution and metabolic
health in response to an eight-week, very low-carbohydrate diet.

4. Photo by TipsTimes
CONCLUSION
Low carb high fat diets like Keto diet are good for older people with obesity as it leads to a greater
loss of fat (total, visceral and intermuscular), preserves lean mass and improves insulin sensitivity
compared to a standard CHO-based(carbohydrate)/low-fat diet (LFD) in older adults with obesity.
Want to start a low carb high fat diet?? Click here to get instructions on how start and get your
own customised diet plan.
SOURCES
· Goss, A.M., Gower, B., Soleymani, T. et al. Effects of weight loss during a very low carbohydrate diet
on specific adipose tissue depots and insulin sensitivity in older adults with obesity: a randomized
clinical trial. Nutr Metab (Lond) 17, 64 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-020-00481-9