Diabetes expert warns paleo diet is dangerous and increases weight gain

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-02/uom-dew021816.php

Public Release: 18-Feb-2016
Diabetes expert warns paleo diet is dangerous and increases weight gain
University of Melbourne

A new study has revealed following a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet for just eight weeks can lead to rapid weight gain and health complications.

•••••

He says mass media hype around these diets, particularly driven by celebrity chefs, celebrity weight-loss stories in the tabloid media and reality TV shows, are leading to more people trying fad diets backed by little evidence. In people with pre-diabetes or diabetes, the low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diet could be particularly risky, he said.

"Low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets are becoming more popular, but there is no scientific evidence that these diets work. In fact, if you put an inactive individual on this type of diet, the chances are that person will gain weight," Assoc Prof Andrikopoulos, President of the Australian Diabetes Society, said.

•••••

Prof Andrikopoulos says the Mediterranean diet is the best for people with pre-diabetes or diabetes.

"It's backed by evidence and is a low-refined sugar diet with healthy oils and fats from fish and extra virgin olive oil, legumes and protein."