Body fat distribution and non-insulin-dependent diabetes: Comparison of a fiber-rich, high-carbohydrate, low-fat (23%) diet and a 35% fat diet high in monounsaturated fat

The effects of a fiber-rich, high carbohydrate, low-fat (HCLF) diet and a modified-fat (MF) diet high in monounsaturated fat on body fill distribution were examined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 16 subjects with non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) during a randomized crossover study. Subjects lost similar amounts of body fat consuming the HCLF and MF diets (- 0.83 ± 0.37 and -0.87 ± 0.40 kg, respectively) despite a marked difference in total fat consumption. With the MF diet, the ratio of upper- to lower- body fat (UF:LF) remained unchanged because fat was lost proportionately from the upper and lower body. In contrast, with the HCLF diet, a disproportionate loss of lower-body fat caused the UF:LF to in crease. The effects of diet on regional body fat loss were significant (P < 0.05, two-factor repeated- measures ANOVA).