Abstract
【Objective】 This pilot study compared the effect of including guidance for dietary fatty acid consumption to a
moderately low carbohydrate diet with that of a moderately low carbohydrate diet alone in terms of weight loss,
glucose tolerance, and serum lipid levels during a weight loss program.
【Methods】 In this 4-week dietary intervention, seven obese subjects were randomized to receive either a moderately low carbohydrate diet alone （LC group） or a moderately low carbohydrate diet together with guidance for dietary fatty acids intake （LCFA group）． Body weight, blood pressure, fasting glucose, serum lipids, fatty acids, and 3-day dietary records were individually measured at baseline and endpoint. The portion sizes of carbohydraterich staple diet were individually customized to the subjects. The subjects in the LCFA group were instructed to consume <7% saturated fat and more n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids（n-3 PUFAs）, including fish and perilla oil.
【Results】 Body weight and waist circumference significantly decreased in both the groups owing to lower total energy and carbohydrate intakes. However, the LCFA group experienced greater reductions in body fat mass and serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, with increased serum n-3 PUFA levels from baseline.
【Conclusions】 These results suggest that guidance for dietary fatty acids consumption enhances the weight loss
achieved with moderately low carbohydrate diets, consequently improving obesity-related parameters.
