Study: High Protein/low Carb Diets May Significantly Increase Cardiovascular Risks In Woman

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Interesting study just out today showing a significant risk of cardiovascular problems for women who are on a high protein/low carb diet long term.

Protein diet are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease (such as heart disease and stroke) than those who do not, a study just published on the British Medical Journal website suggests."

[miswoo 23]

I was trying to look at the article but my phone is acting up. Does it say anything about fat content? I can totally see why say an Atkins type diet would have those results!

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No it doesn't mention fat content specifically, but talks about a very large study over 15 years and how they are not advising women to remain on a high Protein diet long term.

I actually had a horrible kidney infection from Atkins, from a build up of Protein in my kidneys, so I don't drastically cut carbs like most do. But still, I know the majority of WLS patients are on high protein and very low carbs, so I thought I'd share this.

Here's what it says:

After these variables were included, results showed that 1270 cardiovascular events took place in the 43,396 women (55% ischaemic heart disease, 23% ischaemic stroke, 6% haemorrhagic stroke, 10% subarachnoid haemorrhage and 6% peripheral arterial disease) over 15 years.

[2muchfun 8,927]

But it's so minimal? Read this:

"In absolute terms, the adjusted figures represent an additional four to five cases of cardiovascular diseases per 10,000 women per year compared with those who did not regularly eat a low carbohydrate, high Protein diet."

Also, they didn't compare a low carb, moderate Protein diet to a high carb and high protein, high fat content diet(what most of us came from).

The study also says that a short term low carb, high protein diet for the purposes of weight loss outweigh the risks associated with the diet. And I have to agree that most of us plan on eating a more moderate carb and protein diet once we reach our goal weights.

I don't think I ever want to go back to the Atkins days either but the South Beach way of eating seems more reasonable to me?

tmf

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I did get the same thing from it, if you're going on the high Protein short term, your risks are minimal. It seems to me that the problem occurs when it becomes a permanent way of life.

I really think at the end of the day- South Beach, Atkins, Weight Watchers,etc- it all boils down to what works best for your body. I can't do high protein/low carb because it adversely effects my kidneys, but that doesn't mean it won't work for others. I just think in light of this study, women need to take their family cardiovascular history into consideration before going on high protein/low carb long term.

I do find it interesting that this study only profiles women, not men. I wonder if their risks are similar.

[Jachut 487]

If they compare it yo what the average american eats (high fat high salt high carb high Protein high calorie) it'll look pretty good!

If they compare it to a high wholegrain low saturated fat diet itll look pretty bad.!

[brenty 27]

Awesome posts, you guys! I think my wife and I are on the windy side of the results here (fingers crossed!) We make sure we get enough Protein to support our individual bodies' musculature, but we don't limit carbohydrates. I am SO not giving up pizza again!

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Awesome posts, you guys! I think my wife and I are on the windy side of the results here (fingers crossed!) We make sure we get enough Protein to support our individual bodies' musculature, but we don't limit carbohydrates. I am SO not giving up pizza again!

I am like you and your wife. I am always mindful to get a minimum of 60g of Protein in a day, and I keep fat to less than 20%, but I do eat carbs daily and have no intentions of giving them up. (plus history has proven it's not at all good for my kidneys if I do!)