Low Carbohydrate Diets

Medical and Health > Medical Studies
Medical and Health > Nutrition and Exercise
Nutrition > Food

This paper argues that the only diet that strikes at the real cause of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus is the low carbohydrate diet.

2,175 words () | 5 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, for overweight people and people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the low calorie and low fat diets recommended by the government do not work well and actually worsen the condition. The author points out that low carbohydrate diets, such as the popular "Dr. Atkins Diet", are synonymous with a high-fat and moderate protein regime. The paper relates that, when carbohydrate intake is restricted, the insulin levels decrease and the levels of glucagon increase. The author underscores that the increased fats and oils keep the appetite under control. The author suspects that the mechanism of insulin resistance is not a disease but rather a mechanism of homeostasis used to keep the body's fat to muscle ratio in balance. The paper states that, when the body is out of balance, type 2 diabetes mellitus occurs to correct the epigenetic factors that caused the imbalance.

From the Paper:

"Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are now associated with decreased expression of genes that regulate oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscle. Uncoupling protein 3 (UPC3) is a protein transporter that uncouples oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondrial respiration in skeletal muscle. Studies on UCP3 functions under various physiological conditions have suggested that the function of UCP3 is not limited only to regulation of whole-body energy metabolism but is also involved in regulation of lipids metabolism. Uncoupling proteins act to convert stored fat into thermal energy."

Sample of Sources Used:

V. B. O'Leary, C. M. Marchetti, R. K. Krishnan, B. P. Stetzer, F. Gonzalez, and J. P. Kirwan "Exercise-induced reversal of insulin resistance in obese elderly is associated with reduced visceral fat" J Appl Physiol, May 1, 2006; 100(5): 1584 - 1589.
Westman, Eric C. "A Randomized, Controlled Trial of a Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet Versus a Low-Glycemic Index Diet for Obesity-Related Type 2 Diabetes ." clinicaltrials.gov December(2006):
Soo Choi, Cheol Jonathan J. Fillmore1, Jason K. Kim1, Zhen-Xiang Liu1, Sheene Kim1, Emily F. Collier1, Ameya Kulkarni1, Alberto Distefano1, Yu-Jin Hwang1, Mario Kahn1, Yan Chen2, Chunli Yu1, Irene K. Moore1, Richard M. Reznick1, Takamasa Higashimori1 and Gerald I. Shulman. "Overexpression of uncoupling protein 3 in skeletal muscle protects against fat-induced insulin resistance." Journal of Clinical Investigation 117(2007): online.
Journal of Clinical Investigation. "Type 2 Diabetes: What Determines Susceptibility?." ScienceDaily 22 October 2007. 21 April 2008 <http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2007/10/071018171445.htm>.
Yale University. "Young People Prone To Type 2 Diabetes Exhibit Alterations In Mitochondrial Activity." ScienceDaily 23 February 2004. 21 April 2008 <http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2004/02/040223074147.htm>.

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APA Citation:

Low Carbohydrate Diets (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 11, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Argumentative-Essay-Low-Carbohydrate-Diets/103354