When people lose weight, they get happier, at least for a little while. The numbers on the scale go down, your clothes fit better and your health may improve as the extra fat disappears. But does that good mood last for more than a few weeks? And does the type of diet you follow make a difference?
Researchers in Australia recently completed a study designed to measure mood changes in dieters over one year. They divided 106 participants into two random groups and gave each group a reduced-calorie diet. One half were put on low-carbohydrate diets and the other half were put on low-fat diets.
The scientists collected data on the amount of weight lost, mood, cognitive function and memory. After one year, there wasn't much difference between the low-carb and low-fat dieters as far as weight loss (both groups lost about the same), cognitive function and memory. But there was a difference in mood - the low-fat dieters were happier than the low-carb dieters.
The scientists collected data on the amount of weight lost, mood, cognitive function and memory. After one year, there wasn't much difference between the low carb and low fat dieters as far as weight loss (both groups lost about the same), cognitive function and memory. But there was a difference in mood - the low fat dieters were happier than the low carb dieters.
So can this be true? Can cutting back on fats rather than carbohydrates make you happier? Maybe. This is just the first study to look at the long term effect of dietary composition on mood after weight loss, but it is plausible. Your brain likes glucose as fuel (yes, I know your body can make glucose from fat, but studies show eating carbs improves short term cognitive function) and eating carbohydrates stimulates serotonin, a brain chemical that is essential for good mood.
I think this study is interesting, although personally I don't feel any need to get involved in a low-carb vs. low-fat diet war. I believe there are good (and bad) components of each ideology. Low-carb diets get rid of the extra sugar, but it also eliminates a lot of healthy foods like many fruits, some vegetables and whole grains. Low-fat diets cut out saturated fats, but you can also miss out on the essential omega-3 and omega-6 fats that your body can't make on it's own.
