The DFC Diet: Expanded, Individualized Choices

DFC Traditional Diet
The DFC Low-Carbohydrate Diet

As part of one of the world’s leading academic medical institutions, the Duke Diet and Fitness Center is committed to providing a safe, effective, medically sound program for weight loss and optimal health.

For more than three decades, the DFC has advocated a balanced, reduced calorie diet, rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and low in fat, combined with regular exercise and behavioral strategies to maintain healthy habits. We stand firmly behind this philosophy. While our program is based on the best available scientific evidence, we recognize that no one approach works for everyone, and we remain alert to promising new developments in this challenging field.

Emerging scientific evidence, as well as the interest of many of our clients, has led the DFC to introduce a second dietary option for clients. Our new DFC Low-Carbohydrate Diet gives interested clients the flexibility to try this approach in a safe, monitored setting.

Beginning September 29, 2003, new and returning DFC clients will be introduced to the pros, cons, and issues surrounding the DFC Traditional Diet and the DFC Low-Carb Diet. Then, program participants can make their own, informed decision as to which approach to try, with input from the DFC nutrition and medical staff.

The DFC Low-Carb Diet is customized based on the needs and preferences of clients, to offer very low, or moderately low levels of carbohydrates. Our low-carb menu provides an array of vegetables and some fruits; primary protein sources are eggs, low-fat cheese, fish and poultry, with heart-healthy fats such as avocado, olive oil and nuts. While still wholesome and nutritious, this is a very different approach from our traditional diet. Until recently, there were few proponents of lowcarb diets among weight loss experts. Recently, however, several studies have suggested that low-carb diets may be a safe and effective weight control option, for up to one year. Additional studies are underway to assess longer term safety and effectiveness.

The low-carbohydrate option is certainly not for everyone, but some DFC clients might find it beneficial to try this, especially if they have been unsuccessful with a low-fat approach. For some clients, their metabolic status and health risks may improve more with a low-carb than a low-fat regimen. For instance, most of the short term research to date has shown that low carb diets tend to be better at lowering moderately elevated triglyceride levels and raising the “good” HDL cholesterol levels. Research has been less consistent regarding effects on blood continued next page sugar, but some evidence suggests that some overweight people who are “insulin resistant” (such as most of those with type 2 diabetes, or with “pre-diabetes”) may have their insulin response restored better on a low-carb, than on a low-fat diet.

Whichever dietary option you choose, the Duke Diet and Fitness Center staff will closely monitor your progress. Our priority is to help you safely and successfully reach your health and weight goals.


Questions & Answers:

Q. How do I select the right diet for me?
A. At the beginning of your stay at the DFC, our nutritionists will introduce you to our dietary options and help you make an informed decision. In some instances – kidney disease, pregnancy, or certain other medical issues – we strongly advise clients to select the DFC Traditional Low-Fat Diet. On the other hand if your blood test shows moderately high triglycerides and/or low HDL cholesterol, and especially if these abnormalities have not responded in the past to a low-fat, reduced-calorie diet, we may recommend the Low-Carb Diet. We do recommend that those clients selecting our low-carbohydrate option plan on a 4 week stay at the DFC so that their response to this diet can be judged, and their carbohydrate level adjusted as appropriate before they return home.

Q.Is the DFC Low-Carb Diet the same as Atkins?
A. Our Low-Carb Diet is similar to the Atkins Diet, but is not the same. Ours is not quite as low in carbohydrates, and emphasizes healthy dietary fats. The DFC Low-Carb Diet is better described as a “low-carb, Mediterranean-type diet.” Unlike Atkins, we also emphasize monitoring and controlling calorie intake, and we stress the importance of regular physical activity.

Q. I’ve heard that many people do well on a low-carb diet, but find it difficult to stay with it long term, and they gain weight back quickly once they stop the diet. How can I prevent that?
A. Long term adherence to any reduced calorie dietary regimen is challenging in today’s world. There are no studies of long term effectiveness of a low-carb diet, and very few long term studies of the effectiveness of a low-fat diet. Depending on their food preferences and habits, some clients might find they can better adhere to one diet than another. Maintenance of at least a moderately physically active lifestyle is also critical to any weight control effort. In addition, ongoing support is an important component for long-term success, so the DFC offers a Lifestyle Coaching Program to help you continue to work toward your goals after you return home.
 
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