Association Between Low Carbohydrate Diet With Anthropometric Indexes Among Overweight and Obese Women Publisher Pubmed



Karimi M ; Shiraseb F ; Mirzababaei A ; Khadem A ; Zarrinvafa Z ; Khorraminezhad L ; Bagheri R ; Wong A ; Mirzaei K
Source: Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition Published:2026

Abstract

Background: The important association between Low-Carbohydrate Diets (LCD), lipid and glycemic control, and weight loss has been well-depicted in previous research. However, the relationship between LCD, lipid and glycemic profiles, and new anthropometric markers such as the a-Body Shape Index (ABSI) and the Obesity Degree (OD) has not been established. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between LCD, lipid, and glycemic profiles, with the ABSI and the OD in overweight and obese women. Methods: A cohort of 290 overweight and obese women (body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg.m− 2), aged 18–48 years old, were included in this cross-sectional study. The amount of dietary intake and LCD score were established using a valid and reliable Questionnaire of Food Frequency (FFQ) containing 147 items. Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis. The anthropometric measurements and serum profiles were measured by standard protocols. physical activity was also assessed. The ABSI index was also measured by its formula. Models were adjusted for age, energy intake, and physical activity(PA) and BMI. Results: It was observed that higher LCD score was significantly associated with lower OD (p = 0.041); however, no significant relationship was observed between LCD score and ABSI even after adjusting for potential confounders (age, energy intake, physical activity, economic status, education status (p = 0.168). In a linear logistic regression following of LCD score and controlled with potential confounders, a lower level of -0.77 kg, -1.043%, and − 1.98 cm were observed in visceral fat (β = -0.77, 95%CI = -1.51, -0.02, p = 0.049), body fat percentage (β = -1.043, 95%CI = -2.31, -0.22, p = 0.020), and waist circumstance (β = -1.98, 95%CI = -4.01, 0.04, p = 0.044), respectively. In addition, participants with a higher quartile of LCD score, which indicated higher LCD score, had higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p = 0.041) concentrations. Conclusion: A higher LCD score was associated with lower OD, body fat (BF), visceral fat, and waist circumference, and with higher HDL in overweight and obese women. However, there are no associations between LCD and ABSI. © The Author(s) 2026.