Table Comparing Low-Fat and Low-Carbohydrate Diets

The table below compares two independent studies performed by Dr. Dean Ornish, who promotes a low-fat diet, and Dr. Robert Atkins, who supports weight loss through carbohydrate restriction.


Ornish and Atkins Diets Compared
INITIAL CONDITIONS ORNISH
(low fat)
ATKINS
(low carbohydrate)
Age 56 55
Starting weight 201 195
Body Mass Index 28.4 28.1
DIET RESULTS ORNISH
(low fat)
ATKINS
(low carbohydrate)
Cholesterol change -24% -13%
HDL (GOOD) Cholesterol - 3% +60%
Triglycerides (BAD) +75% -82%
Weight -12% -19%

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