Weight Loss During 12 Weeks' Ad Libitum Carbohydrate‐Rich Diet in Overweight and Normal‐Weight Subjects at a Danish Work Site

The effect of 12 week's ad libitum carbohydrate-rich, low-fat diet on total body weight, lean body mass, and fat mass was studied in a group of healthy subjects at a Danish work-site (I) (n = 50, BMI = 28.4 +/- 0.7 kg/m2). Sixteen subjects served as controls (C) (BMI = 27.0 +/- 1.0 kg/m2). After 12 weeks the I subjects had decreased their fat intake from 39.0 +/- 1.1 energy-% (E%) to 28.0 +/- 1.2 E% and increased their carbohydrate intake from 46.0 +/- 1.1 E% to 56.4 +/- 1.1. E% (p < 0.05 vs. C). Moreover, a significant loss of body weight (4.2 +/- 0.4 kg) and fat mass (4.4 +/- 0.6 kg) was observed in I (p < 0.05 vs. C). The weight loss in I was not regained at 24 and 52 weeks' follow-up (82% of I participating) compared to baseline. The cost per kg lost weight amounted to $14.7 / person. In conclusion, instructions at a work site in ad libitum intake of a carbohydrate-rich, low-fat diet resulted in a significant loss of body weight and fat mass in overweight and normal-weight subjects.