In recent years, discussions in the field of nutrition have increasingly focused on which approach is more effective for weight and appetite control: reducing fats or limiting carbohydrates. A new study published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Nutrition suggests that in certain cases, the correct answer may be carbohydrate reduction, particularly for women suffering from lipedema.
What Is Lipedema and Why It Matters in This Context
Lipedema is a condition that is often confused with obesity but has distinct characteristics. It is marked by the accumulation of fat in the lower parts of the body, especially the thighs and legs, and occurs predominantly in women. Lipedema may worsen during periods of hormonal change, such as adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause.
The condition is accompanied by inflammatory processes in the tissues, which may also affect brain mechanisms responsible for regulating appetite and food-related desire.
How the Study Was Conducted
Researchers analyzed data from a clinical study involving 70 women diagnosed with both lipedema and obesity. The participants were divided into two groups:
Low-carbohydrate diet: approximately 75 g of carbohydrates per day
Low-fat diet: approximately 180 g of carbohydrates and 27 g of fat per day
Both dietary plans had the same caloric intake — about 1,200 kcal per day — and contained equal amounts of protein.
What Results Were Observed
After an eight-week intervention, researchers observed significant differences between the two groups.
Women following the low-carbohydrate diet showed a marked reduction in so-called “hedonic hunger.” This refers to the desire to eat triggered by the sight or smell of food, even when the body does not have an actual energy need. This change was measured using the Power of Food Scale and was particularly evident in situations where food was available but had not yet been tasted.
In addition, participants in the low-carbohydrate group reported a significant decrease in emotional eating, meaning a reduced tendency to eat in response to negative emotions.
Meanwhile, women following the low-fat diet demonstrated a stronger controlled eating response — the conscious restriction of food intake in order to maintain body weight.
Scientific Explanation of the Findings
According to the authors of the study, reducing carbohydrate intake may influence the brain’s reward system. Specifically, it may interact with the hormones ghrelin and insulin, which play a role in regulating dopaminergic pathways associated with food-related pleasure.
This mechanism may explain why limiting carbohydrates reduces responsiveness to food cues and contributes to more effective appetite control.
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