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Evidence summaries

Low Glycaemic Index or Low Glycaemic Load Diets for Overweight and Obesity

Low glycaemic index diets appear not to effective for weight loss compared with control diets in overweight or obese persons. Level of evidence: "B"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 10 studies comparing a low glycaemic index or glycaemic load diet (LGI) with other diet, with a total of 1210 subjects. Interventions ranged from 8 weeks to 18 months There was little to no difference in change in body weight compared to higher GLI diets (mean difference (MD) -0.82 kg, 95% -CI -1.92 to 0.28; I²=52%; 7 studies, n=403), or in body mass index or fat mass. There was little to no difference in change in body weight compared to other diets (MD -1.24 kg, 95% CI -2.82 to 0.34; I²=70%; 3 studies, n=723).

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by risk of bias (blinding of participants and personnel) .

References

  • Chekima K, Yan SW, Lee SWH et al. Low glycaemic index or low glycaemic load diets for people with overweight or obesity. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023;6(6):CD005105. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords