Low-carbohydrate diet used for weight loss induces obesity in rats

Objective This study analyzed the effect of a high fat, high protein and low carbohydrate diet on the body weight, organ weight, food intake and biochemical parameters of rats and the histopathological changes in their livers. Methods A total of 24 animals were used, 12 in the control group and 12 in the experimental group, with a mean weight of 160 grams at baseline. Body weight and food intake were collected weekly. At the end of 8 weeks, the animals were killed for the biochemical tests and weighing of organs and the livers were submitted to histopathological analysis. Results The animals in the experimental group gained more weight and accumulated more body fat than the animals in the control group. The weight of the liver, kidneys and spleen did not change. The animals fed the low carbohydrate diet consumed more calories during the 8 weeks of the study period. They also developed hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia and presented high high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and serum creatinine. The experimental group also presented hepatic steatosis. Conclusion The results show that low carbohydrate diets that are rich in fats and proteins may result in harmful metabolic changes in rats.