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The Debate Is Over, Good Carb Diets Win in Weight Loss Battle

NutriSystem and Other Low-Glycemic Diets Supported by New Study

Eating no carbs has become a popular way to lose weight, but what works more effectively is a diet with "good carbs." Good carbs -- those that rank low on the glycemic index, are a necessary and healthy part of a successful weight loss plan. New scientific research confirms what NutriSystem , a leading diet company, knows to be true -- that a low-glycemic diet leads to healthy weight loss.

Researchers at Children's Hospital in Boston conducted controlled studies of laboratory rats and mice and concluded that a low-glycemic diet reduces body weight, fat and risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Published in this week's "The Lancet," the study fed two groups of mice and rats a diet comprised largely of carbohydrates, but one group began with carbohydrates that rank low on the glycemic index (GI) and the other with high-GI carbohydrates.

Those fed high-GI diets gained more weight with the same amount of food, doubled their body fat, lost muscle mass and increased their blood sugars, insulin, lipids, and other disease risk factors. When the diets were switched halfway through the study, all of the issues encountered by this group were reversed, thanks to their new low-GI diets. Low-GI foods include most fruits, legumes, whole grains, pasta, nuts and vegetables.

"What this study shows is that the glycemic index is an independent factor that can have dramatic effects on major chronic diseases plaguing developing nations -- obesity, diabetes and heart disease," said Dr. David Ludwig, author of the research and director of the obesity program at Children's Hospital.

While there have been nearly 100 studies pointing to the benefits of a low-GI diet, this is the first research conducted that completely controlled all other diet factors, leaving the type of carbohydrate each group received as the only variable.

"We are very encouraged by the findings in this study," said Dr. Jay Satz, vice president of program and product development for NutriSystem. "NutriSystem's Nourish plan aligns perfectly with this research. Not only are NutriSystem clients losing weight, they are able to stay on the program with out feeling deprived and hungry."

NutriSystem offers one of the most comprehensive and convenient weight loss programs available. With over 100 pre-prepared foods based on the glycemic index, NutriSystem clients don't have to compute glycemic index ratings or count calories or carbs, all of the work is already done for them. NutriSystem's good carb products break down slowly in the body encouraging stable blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels rise too quickly, insulin levels spike prompting the body to store fat.

"There are optimal amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fats in the NutriSystem program all designed to help our clients lose weight without counting calories or carbs," said Dr. Satz. "In a time-crunched world, NutriSystem offers a good carb answer for people on the go." NutriSystem foods can be ordered on-line at www.NutriSystem.com or by dialing 1-800-321-THIN. Everything is shipped directly to dieters' doors.

About NutriSystem

Founded in 1972, NutriSystem is a leading provider of weight management products and services. The Company offers a weight loss program based on portion-controlled, prepared meals. The program has no membership fees and provides free on-line and telephone counseling.