PubHawk
N Engl J Med May 2003 PMID 12761365

A randomized trial of a low-carbohydrate diet for obesity.

Gary D Foster, Holly R Wyatt, James O Hill, Brian G McGuckin, Carrie Brill, B Selma Mohammed, Philippe O Szapary, Daniel J Rader, Joel S Edman, Samuel Klein

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Mentions

195
Peak: 11 in Jul 2020
across 5 sources since May 2019

Extended reach

354,711
potential audience

Total likes

2,174

Video views

71,517

Mentions per month

May 2019 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News83 articles
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  • Facebook44 posts
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  • YouTube3 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

This collection of discussions reflects an active interest in the effectiveness of low-carbohydrate diets, with posts referencing specific trial results like the initial greater weight loss at six months but no significant difference after a year. The tone varies from cautious skepticism to persuasive advocacy, highlighting both the scientific debate and personal perspectives on dietary strategies.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the study's findings that a low-carb diet can lead to greater short-term weight loss, even if results equalize after a year.

InterestHigh interest

The posts show high curiosity, with many referencing the trial outcomes, long-term effects, and debates about dietary approaches.

EngagementHigh engagement

Many responses delve into the methodology, ask for further evidence, and discuss implications, indicating deep involvement.

ImpactModerate impact

While some posts emphasize the importance of evidence and long-term health, overall influence appears moderate, sparking ongoing debates rather than decisive change.

Abstract in brief

  • This study was a one-year randomized controlled trial comparing a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat diet to a traditional low-calorie, low-fat diet in obese individuals, finding initial greater weight loss with the low-carb diet but no significant difference after a year.
  • Both diets improved cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and glucose response, with the low-carb diet showing some advantages in increasing good cholesterol and reducing triglycerides during the study.
  • Adherence to both diets was challenging, with high dropout rates, highlighting the need for longer and larger studies to assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of low-carbohydrate diets.
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Partha S Kar
@parthaskar · X

Want to understand the reasons for all the debate around Low Carbs vs Low Calorie? 2 trials published in same journal 1. https://t.co/pYuFMypPJV 2. https://t.co/fcf1hNaOpS Why not a head to head RCT of 5000 people over 36 months for a scientific answer & then let people choose? https://t.co/v0JvUsKuNl

Jul 17, 2020 · 46 likes · 13 shares · 55,613 followers View post →
Partha S Kar
@parthaskar · X

The need for evidence review in diets for management of #Obesity continues to build. An interesting paper around issue of sustainability of weight loss https://t.co/pYuFMyHqBt

Aug 2, 2020 · 24 likes · 3 shares · 55,613 followers View post →
Adam Cifu
@adamcifu · X

2/2 I think these are my two favorite trials. My utterly profound conclusion: whatever enables an individual to limit calories is good. Making broad, one size fits all recommendations probably is not. https://t.co/FrOYxo5q9K https://t.co/km0hMlYmPs

Apr 25, 2022 · 18 likes · 1 share · 26,033 followers View post →
Biomass Bob
@SentientBlobBob · X

The truth always evades Lufkin: https://t.co/tOhFbAFQSD The low-carbohydrate diet produced a greater weight loss (absolute difference, approximately 4 percent) than did the conventional diet for the first six months, but the differences were not significant at one year. https://t.co/BsPKOwepH5

Apr 25, 2024 · 12 likes · 1 share · 805 followers View post →
KOJI@プライマルコーチ
@kojija · X

【肥満に対する低糖質食によるRCT】 1/3 「半年では低糖質食による減量はより大きいが、1年では低脂質食と有意差はない」 このような研究が長期的な有効性に対する疑問を煽る 内容をよく見ると一般的なダイエット環境をシュミレートするための「セルフヘルプ形式」 https://t.co/Zc4IPNmfl6 https://t.co/o5oKWYaaQC

Jun 14, 2021 · 6 likes · 2,310 followers View post →
Murasaki
@MurasakiScience · X

ダイエットの方法で 「糖質ダイエット！」 「納豆がいいよ！」 「ケトジェニック」 等々 様々な意見がありますが、結論 ダイエットの方法に優位差はないんですよね。 https://t.co/VKb7boBMoy https://t.co/UUkRtporpN

Aug 21, 2025 · 5 likes · 1 share · 1,685 followers View post →

All mentions

GRゆうすけ
@hutyakusita · X

RT @MurasakiScience: ダイエットの方法で 「糖質ダイエット！」 「納豆がいいよ！」 「ケトジェニック」 等々 様々な意見がありますが、結論 ダイエットの方法に優位差はないんですよね。 https://t.co/VKb7boBMoy

Aug 21, 2025 · 1 share · 245 followers View post →
Murasaki
@MurasakiScience · X

ダイエットの方法で 「糖質ダイエット！」 「納豆がいいよ！」 「ケトジェニック」 等々 様々な意見がありますが、結論 ダイエットの方法に優位差はないんですよね。 https://t.co/VKb7boBMoy https://t.co/UUkRtporpN

Aug 21, 2025 · 5 likes · 1 share · 1,685 followers View post →
Paul Langton
@WALangProf · X

@ProfTimNoakes Still trying to find the outcome studies to measure Effectiveness with clinical endpoints. Any suggestions? https://t.co/GEChmA22d1 https://t.co/OHO2Hc4sSy https://t.co/XjiQb586Qb https://t.co/coz0sfvrWd https://t.co/j9LADJqa6Q

Jul 13, 2025 · 228 followers View post →
Elevate Health Institute
@elevatemyhealth · X

(9/9) Sources: Foster, Gary D., et al. "A randomized trial of a low-carbohydrate diet for obesity." New England Journal of Medicine 348.21 (2003): 2082-2090. Bazzano, Lydia A., et al. "Effects of low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets: a randomized trial." Annals of internal

Mar 31, 2025 · 2 followers View post →
Bellaluna1962
@Bellaluna1962 · X

RT @SuperMatt0001: A carnivore lifestyle can dramatically improve your life. Cut out carbs, focus on high protein and fat from animal sourc…

Nov 12, 2024 · 1 share · 3,720 followers View post →
SuperMatt01@BoldCarnivore
@SuperMatt0001 · X

A carnivore lifestyle can dramatically improve your life. Cut out carbs, focus on high protein and fat from animal sources. You will improve your blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep, and overall fitness with very little effort. https://t.co/n9OsEtnrL6

Jul 25, 2024 · 2 likes · 1 share · 4,612 followers View post →
Andrew Koutnik, Ph.D.
@AKoutnik · X

@mackinprof GLP1a versus VLCD? Context: Very true for obesity. But type 2 diabetes? OBESITY -Low Carb: https://t.co/O89rFEmWfr (~10%) -TRZ: https://t.co/wvEdk27w1l (~21%) T2D -Low Carb: https://t.co/kQ9ZHaVjoo (12%) -TRZ: https://t.co/Bmm3UCYlCM (12%) I am sure as GLP1a https://t.co/D48bDGQBfR

Jul 1, 2024 · 4 likes · 7,328 followers View post →
MCAS, PTSD and ME
@FatigueMe92484 · X

RT @SentientBlobBob: The truth always evades Lufkin: https://t.co/tOhFbAFQSD The low-carbohydrate diet produced a greater weight loss (abs…

Apr 25, 2024 · 1 share · 1,189 followers View post →
Biomass Bob
@SentientBlobBob · X

The truth always evades Lufkin: https://t.co/tOhFbAFQSD The low-carbohydrate diet produced a greater weight loss (absolute difference, approximately 4 percent) than did the conventional diet for the first six months, but the differences were not significant at one year. https://t.co/BsPKOwepH5

Apr 25, 2024 · 12 likes · 1 share · 805 followers View post →
justme
@sheldonomics · X

No long term study supports keto diet presently for obesity, diabetes mellitus #KetoRevolution #keto #diabetes https://t.co/69IMA3bO19

Jan 8, 2024 View post →
James Pickett
@jamesrpickett · X

@DrNadolsky @criticalsfl https://t.co/HQgJ03N1FY

Dec 22, 2023 · 3,109 followers View post →
JK MD
@jksequoia · X

An old study from 2003 comparing low fat and low carbohydrate shows that the LC diet perform quicker and better to lose weight. https://t.co/NGb3Gg0bIh https://t.co/p8ALyLvHNR

Nov 13, 2023 · 2 likes · 262 followers View post →
Dr.ジャスティス☺︎
@panda_nef · X

全然知らないのに凛々しくて草 pubmedで調べたら？ スマホでも2分でみつかったぞ https://t.co/BAU0rWuwlI https://t.co/PgmJODOJIq

Oct 28, 2023 · 4 likes · 978 followers View post →
george
@idobadtakes · X

@Empty_America https://t.co/RYk8f2xkba Actual randomized control trials show some benefit, but the idea it’s a 100% cure for diabetes is ridiculous on its face

Aug 23, 2023 · 2 likes · 1,140 followers View post →
MyOpenMind101
@MyOpenMind101 · X

@DoctorChrisVT the ultra low carb diet mentioned as being tough to stick to was only low carb for 2 weeks then the amount of carbs gradually increased. https://t.co/24DpElcdDZ Also the numbers of people in the trial was very small. This was a major design flaw.

May 13, 2023 · 4,566 followers View post →
Thelast Stylebender
@ThelastStyleb16 · X

@JohnnyScott234 @DoctorTro https://t.co/RWdT5fJXXB

Apr 20, 2023 · 263 followers View post →
歌島大輔＠日本一の整形外科医YouTube(22万人)
@pedro0507 · X

Gary D Foster et al. N Engl J Med. 2003 A randomized trial of a low-carbohydrate diet for obesity

Jan 23, 2023 · 10,016 followers View post →
Thelast Stylebender
@ThelastStyleb16 · X

@Alanburner4 @MohammedAlo @fvrmix https://t.co/DQnfNY2KJP

Jan 22, 2023 · 263 followers View post →
6DSports
@6dSporting · X

@realDaveFeldman https://t.co/WBlYIIHo3W

Jan 17, 2023 · 50 followers View post →
Ben L. ن⚡️
@BNLieb · X

RT @Keto_Dude: 63 adults with Obesity followed Low Carb or Low Fat for 12 months. Low Carb group lost more weight and improved triglycerid…

May 9, 2022 · 1 share · 11,661 followers View post →
Bruno de la Rocha - CRN2 19064
@Keto_Dude · X

63 adults with Obesity followed Low Carb or Low Fat for 12 months. Low Carb group lost more weight and improved triglycerides and HDL. https://t.co/2upOv7OgHc

May 9, 2022 · 2 likes · 1 share · 14,111 followers View post →
Aditya Samitinjay, MD, MRCP
@Samitinjay2 · X

RT @adamcifu: 2/2 I think these are my two favorite trials. My utterly profound conclusion: whatever enables an individual to limit calorie…

Apr 25, 2022 · 1 share · 720 followers View post →
Adam Cifu
@adamcifu · X

2/2 I think these are my two favorite trials. My utterly profound conclusion: whatever enables an individual to limit calories is good. Making broad, one size fits all recommendations probably is not. https://t.co/FrOYxo5q9K https://t.co/km0hMlYmPs

Apr 25, 2022 · 18 likes · 1 share · 26,033 followers View post →
eleanorina
@_eleanorina · X

@LWellberg @JimJohnsonSci @MichaelAlbertMD @KevinH_PhD @JohnSpeakman4 @davidludwigmd @cochranecollab @NutritionMadeS3 tends towards being OW or obese because of goal of losing fat mass. eg from this list of RCTs, https://t.co/kCXy6Rbp4B "healthy obese females", https://t.co/G6oXuzOA67 "obese men and women" https://t.co/DNwRA0hG0z, OW men and women, https://t.co/zgnZmsKvWs etc

Jan 29, 2022 · 1 like · 3,171 followers View post →
Strawman
@StrawmanMeBro · X

@EmptyCarrot @robkhenderson If you have data, show it. If you want to start seeing evidence of your goals being achieved, use evidence in your method of achievement as much as possible. Use Google Scholar if that helps. Example study: -Abstract -Methods -Results -Conclusions https://t.co/yd2TG5MCVC

Nov 23, 2021 · 105 followers View post →
KOJI@プライマルコーチ
@kojija · X

【頭だけでは習慣は変わらない 】 2/3 試験開始前にアトキンス食プログラム指導 https://t.co/cIBsfO2wQE その後は医療専門家とは最低限の接触＝放置 尿ケトンは6ヵ月以降は両群でほぼ検出されていない （グラフは検出者のみの比較で意味がない） ＝低糖質食を守ってない https://t.co/rsLqWj9or2

Jun 14, 2021 · 4 likes · 2,310 followers View post →
KOJI@プライマルコーチ
@kojija · X

【肥満に対する低糖質食によるRCT】 1/3 「半年では低糖質食による減量はより大きいが、1年では低脂質食と有意差はない」 このような研究が長期的な有効性に対する疑問を煽る 内容をよく見ると一般的なダイエット環境をシュミレートするための「セルフヘルプ形式」 https://t.co/Zc4IPNmfl6 https://t.co/o5oKWYaaQC

Jun 14, 2021 · 6 likes · 2,310 followers View post →
basho
@kjvcxfgvy · X

RT @OSAID_FIT: والدهون الثلاثية والكولسترول وجميع معايير الصحة الأخرى والدهون الثلاثية والكولسترول بأنواعه ، جميع الدراسات المحكمة والقوية…

Apr 16, 2021 · 4 shares · 3 followers View post →
Dr S WEER
@suranwee · X

A Randomized Trial of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet for Obesity | NEJM https://t.co/p09nxrjPNR

Aug 2, 2020 · 242 followers View post →
Barney Calman
@BarneyCalman · X

RT @parthaskar: The need for evidence review in diets for management of #Obesity continues to build. An interesting paper around issue of…

Aug 2, 2020 · 3 shares · 1,655 followers View post →
Kirsty Robinson
@KR_dietitian · X

RT @parthaskar: The need for evidence review in diets for management of #Obesity continues to build. An interesting paper around issue of…

Aug 2, 2020 · 3 shares · 1,186 followers View post →
Sue Lacey Bryant
@SueLaceybryant · X

RT @parthaskar: The need for evidence review in diets for management of #Obesity continues to build. An interesting paper around issue of…

Aug 2, 2020 · 3 shares · 2,496 followers View post →
Partha S Kar
@parthaskar · X

The need for evidence review in diets for management of #Obesity continues to build. An interesting paper around issue of sustainability of weight loss https://t.co/pYuFMyHqBt

Aug 2, 2020 · 24 likes · 3 shares · 55,613 followers View post →
Sonia James
@jsonia634 · X

RT @parthaskar: Want to understand the reasons for all the debate around Low Carbs vs Low Calorie? 2 trials published in same journal 1. h…

Jul 19, 2020 · 13 shares · 43 followers View post →
TheOtherMrsD
@Daw6273 · X

RT @parthaskar: Want to understand the reasons for all the debate around Low Carbs vs Low Calorie? 2 trials published in same journal 1. h…

Jul 18, 2020 · 13 shares · 2,838 followers View post →
Nusrat Kausar
@NusratkRD · X

RT @parthaskar: Want to understand the reasons for all the debate around Low Carbs vs Low Calorie? 2 trials published in same journal 1. h…

Jul 18, 2020 · 13 shares · 3,240 followers View post →
ACDC
@ACDC_UK · X

RT @parthaskar: Want to understand the reasons for all the debate around Low Carbs vs Low Calorie? 2 trials published in same journal 1. h…

Jul 18, 2020 · 13 shares · 1,314 followers View post →
Iris Thiele Isip Tan MD, MSc
@endocrine_witch · X

RT @parthaskar: Want to understand the reasons for all the debate around Low Carbs vs Low Calorie? 2 trials published in same journal 1. h…

Jul 18, 2020 · 13 shares · 13,424 followers View post →
Emmanouela Konstantara
@EmmaKonstantara · X

RT @parthaskar: Want to understand the reasons for all the debate around Low Carbs vs Low Calorie? 2 trials published in same journal 1. h…

Jul 17, 2020 · 13 shares · 226 followers View post →
Maria Leveridge RD
@MariaLeveridge · X

RT @parthaskar: Want to understand the reasons for all the debate around Low Carbs vs Low Calorie? 2 trials published in same journal 1. h…

Jul 17, 2020 · 13 shares · 2,201 followers View post →
Iain Moppett
@IainMoppett · X

RT @parthaskar: Want to understand the reasons for all the debate around Low Carbs vs Low Calorie? 2 trials published in same journal 1. h…

Jul 17, 2020 · 13 shares · 3,214 followers View post →
Graham Phillips: The Pharmacist Who Gave Up Drugs
@grahamsphillips · X

RT @parthaskar: Want to understand the reasons for all the debate around Low Carbs vs Low Calorie? 2 trials published in same journal 1. h…

Jul 17, 2020 · 13 shares · 5,655 followers View post →
Abd Tahrani
@AbdTahrani · X

RT @parthaskar: Want to understand the reasons for all the debate around Low Carbs vs Low Calorie? 2 trials published in same journal 1. h…

Jul 17, 2020 · 13 shares · 7,584 followers View post →
Partha S Kar
@parthaskar · X

Want to understand the reasons for all the debate around Low Carbs vs Low Calorie? 2 trials published in same journal 1. https://t.co/pYuFMypPJV 2. https://t.co/fcf1hNaOpS Why not a head to head RCT of 5000 people over 36 months for a scientific answer & then let people choose? https://t.co/v0JvUsKuNl

Jul 17, 2020 · 46 likes · 13 shares · 55,613 followers View post →
Abd Tahrani
@AbdTahrani · X

@grahamsphillips @ConscienHealth @YoniFreedhoff @longevity_pro @PHCukorg In the presence of longer term data we cannot look at the shorter term ones https://t.co/bxbLlciBvJ

May 31, 2020 · 2 likes · 7,584 followers View post →
manliest meat eater
@unbiasedendo · X

I have no bias against a particular diet for a particular situation but opinions are best supported by real experiments not just opinion pieces https://t.co/L5TKrDQVEY

Apr 12, 2020 · 24 followers View post →
68氏(8w7, ExTP)
@mr68shi · X

@conolidine 糖質制限ダイエットに関する論文．引用2000なのでそこそこ信ぴょう性はありそう． 簡単にいうと「短期(3, 6ヶ月)では体重が減るが，長期(1年)で見ると糖質制限ダイエットと普通のダイエットで差があるとはいえない．」（日本語訳が間違ってるかもしれん） https://t.co/0bpESusFbh

Nov 12, 2019 · 1 like · 710 followers View post →
Coronel Mostaza
@jlsuarezalvarez · X

@BarratAlejandro @UnoNoticias Pues el NEJM no le ha encontrado tan malas https://t.co/be9bqkMnGM

Sep 17, 2019 · 140 followers View post →
Dr. Ann
@AnnChildersMD · X

A Randomized Trial of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet for Obesity | NEJM https://t.co/PzLTwMbPMd https://t.co/6IMoA2ACVQ

Aug 26, 2019 · 13,908 followers View post →
Ⓥ Preference distinguishes love from self-love. ☮️
@vegansince96 · X

@sundstrom_lars @Veganella_ @clover_mark @Af_donnerwetter @InjusticeN0More @TheAnachronist1 @healthypour @Drakgun66 @Dravidica @tweetprix @InternalMentalC @Leigh252425 @BraideLochLion @MrAmazinglyAce @Cynwel73 @1AVintageAffair @partysausageuk @bazhsw8183 @Caerage @xeyedmess @RossWenk @cyrus_ewers @SGT_Stampede @meattherapy @Dave06031956 @HERBIHORSE @GrahamCD62 @Steve08859630 @ed_flava @drunkvegans @starlitnites @MeatIsmurder70 @ByronMurphy8 @RoninSohei @theveganparent @DaveTheHerbi @meatymcsorley @sansbuIIcrap @itsokdadsgotit @Charlotte_0499 @Wildrosebeef @tofukkers @TriNutrition @Scottyhile @Edival @est_sep2018 @IronLindaJ @jadeo09 @LentilDestroyer @fightitnow Research it. “The low-carbohydrate diet produced a greater weight loss (absolute difference, approximately 4 percent) than did the conventional diet for the first six months, but the differences were not significant at one year

May 26, 2019 · 2,089 followers View post →
HIRANO Naohiko 平野 直彦
@naohiko7 · X

糖質制限食 文献1, Foster et al. NEJM 2003 "A Randomized Trial of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet for Obesity " https://t.co/CKvsJJUFpj

May 18, 2019 · 1 like · 973 followers View post →