Thought this was interesting.

Theola

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Metabolism 2002 Jul;51(7):864-70
Body composition and hormonal responses to a carbohydrate-restricted diet.

Volek JS, Sharman MJ, Love DM, Avery NG, Gomez AL, Scheett TP, Kraemer WJ.
Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of
Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1110, USA.

The few studies that have examined body composition after a
carbohydrate-restricted diet have reported enhanced fat loss and
preservation of lean body mass in obese individuals. The role of hormones in
mediating this response is unclear. We examined the effects of a 6-week
carbohydrate-restricted diet on total and regional body composition and the
relationships with fasting hormone concentrations. Twelve healthy
normal-weight men switched from their habitual diet (48% carbohydrate) to a
carbohydrate-restricted diet (8% carbohydrate) for 6 weeks and 8 men served
as controls, consuming their normal diet. Subjects were encouraged to
consume adequate dietary energy to maintain body mass during the
intervention. Total and regional body composition and fasting blood samples
were assessed at weeks 0, 3, and 6 of the experimental period. Fat mass was
significantly (P <or=.05) decreased (-3.4 kg) and lean body mass
significantly increased (+1.1 kg) at week 6. There was a significant
decrease in serum insulin (-34%), and an increase in total thyroxine (T(4))
(+11%) and the free T(4) index (+13%). Approximately 70% of the variability
in fat loss on the carbohydrate-restricted diet was accounted for by the
decrease in serum insulin concentrations. There were no significant changes
in glucagon, total or free testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin
(SHBG), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), cortisol, or triiodothyronine
(T(3)) uptake, nor were there significant changes in body composition or
hormones in the control group. Thus, we conclude that a
carbohydrate-restricted diet resulted in a significant reduction in fat mass
and a concomitant increase in lean body mass in normal-weight men, which may
be partially mediated by the reduction in circulating insulin
concentrations. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.

Publication Types:
Clinical Trial
Controlled Clinical Trial

PMID: 12077732 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]