Glycemic Index and Weight Loss

Some experts favor recommending a low GI diet for weight loss, while others disagree because most studies comparing high GI to low GI diets have proven to be inconclusive.

The use of Glycemic Index, or GI, as a meal planning tool appears to be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes and high cholesterol levels.¹ There is also limited evidence that a high GI diet may be associated with development of obesity and some forms of cancer.²

Effect of a Low GI Diet
Theoretically, using GI as a weight-loss method makes a lot of sense. Several short-term studies indicate that a low GI diet creates a feeling of fullness, delaying the return of hunger following a meal.³ The effect of a low GI diet in reducing the body's production of insulin is also widely recognized.

Considering the theoretical potential of GI as a weight-loss method and the known health hazards of continued overweight, some experts favor recommending low GI diets for weight loss now.⁴

Other experts disagree because the majority of studies that have specifically compared a low GI diet and a high GI diet have not shown a better weight loss following the low GI method. In 20 studies, each lasting less than six months, a superior weight loss on a low-GI diet was seen in four and on a high-GI diet in two others. There was no difference in the amount of weight loss in the remaining 14.⁵

In another study designed to evaluate the impact of encouraging low GI foods as part of the Weight Watchers food plan, no significant difference in weight loss was found, although there were significant differences in the reported feelings of hunger and satiety.^{6, 7}

More Studies Underway
The ideal long-term study to evaluate the effectiveness of GI as a sole weight-loss method has not yet been completed. Several studies are underway and the results will be released over the next few years. As these studies are completed, the understanding of what, if any, role that GI can play in promoting weight loss will be improved.

This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated November 5, 2011.

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RELATED INFORMATION

Other Science Library Topics:

• Macronutrient Recommendations
• Cutting Calories: Portion Control, Energy Density
• Introduction to the Glycemic Index

FOOTNOTES

¹Opperman AM, Venter CS, Oosthuizen W, Thompson RL, Vorster HH. Meta-analysis of the health effects of using the glycaemic index in meal-planning. Br J Nutr. 2004 Sep;92(3):367-81.

²Brand-Miller JC. Glycemic load and chronic disease. Nutr Rev. 2003 May;61(5 Pt 2):S49-55.

³Roberts SB. Glycemic index and satiety. Nutr Clin Care. 2003 Jan-Apr;6(1):20-6.

⁴Pereira MA, Swain J, Goldfine AB, Rifai N, Ludwig DS. Effects of a low-glycemic load diet on resting energy expenditure and heart disease risk factors during weight loss. JAMA. 2004 Nov 24;292(20):2482-90.

⁴Pawlak DB, Ebbeling CB, Ludwig DS. Should obese patients be counselled to follow a low-glycaemic index diet? Yes. Obes Rev. 2002 Nov;3(4):235-43.

⁵Raben A. Should obese patients be counselled to follow a low-glycaemic index diet? No. Obes Rev. 2002 Nov;3(4):245-56.

⁶Bellisle F, Delix AM, DeAssis, MA, Kupek E, Oppert JM, Basdevant A, Gerwig U. Lower hunger and desire to eat during 12 weeks on a modified weight watchers diet with special emphasis on low-glycemic index foods. Obesity Reviews 2005; 6 (Suppl 1): 154

⁷Bellisle F, Delix AM, DeAssis, MA, Kupek E, Oppert JM, Basdevant A, Gerwig U. Weight and biological changes after 12 weeks on moderately restrictive diets with or without special attention to the glycemic index of foods. Obesity Reviews 2005; 6 (Suppl 1): 157