Low-Carbohydrate Diet
Carbohydrates contribute < 20-30g/day. These diets are higher in protein. Examples include the Atkins Diet and the South Beach Diet.
Evidence
12 recent studies (n=13 to n=160)
Weight loss ranges from 2kg - 10kg (4.4 - 20lbs.)
Decreases seen in glucose, HgbA1C, triglycerides, and total cholesterol to HDL ratios
General observations
Better retention in studies
Patients experience less perceived hunger than on low fat diets
How to interpret this research
Previous concerns about adverse affects of low-carbohydrate diets seem to be unfounded. Patients tend to stay on the diets and potentially can lose a significant amount of weight (20lbs. is 10% of a 200lb. person's body weight).