Study: Paleolithic Diet May Be Optimal for Overweight Women

A recent Swedish study found that a Paleolithic diet may be optimal for weight loss, reduced abdominal fat, and lowered cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk factors. 

The Paleolithic diet is one that is traditionally high in fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, and nuts while restricting grains, legumes, and dairy products. From a macronutrient perspective, this diet also includes a higher intake of protein and unsaturated fats. This diet aims to mimic that of our hunter-gatherer ancestors with the goal of eating a diet that humans have evolved to eat. The Paleolithic diet may also be referred to an ancestral diet, evolutionary diet, or primal diet. 

The Study:

The study followed 70 overweight postemenopausal women for two years. The women were divided into two groups: one that followed a Paleolithic diet and one that followed a standard "healthy diet" (Nordic Nutrition Recommendations). 

The women in both groups were not restricted in the amount of food they were allowed to consume. The only restrictions were the type of food consumed according to the Paleolithic guidelines or Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. 

The Results:

At the end of two years both groups lost weight. However, those who ate a paleolithic diet had much better results including the following:

  • The women who ate a Paleolithic diet lost more weight

  • The women who ate a Paleolithic diet had more reduction in abdominal fat

  • The women who ate a Paleolithic diet had a larger reduction of cardiovascular disease risk factor

  • The women who ate a Paleolithic diet had a larger reduction of type 2 diabetes risk factors.

What does this mean?

The Paleolithic diet has been popular for it's ability to reduce disease risk factors, improve body composition, and improve overall function. This study shows further evidence that the Paleolithic diet may help optimize the health of overweight women. 

References: 

1. Umeå universitet. "Paleolithic diet healthier for overweight women." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 18 January 2018. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180118142911.htm>.

Blake Pennock