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Dr. C.J. Segal-Isaacson is helping to research one of the most fascinating nutritional questions we face: What works better for our bodies, low-fat or low-carbohydrate diets? Or do they each have a distinct nutritional value for different body types?
A researcher working on five different such studies at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, Segal-Isaacson and her colleagues are nowhere close to answering these questions.
But with such controversy over any dietary approach that seems fanatical to some, it was reassuring to hear her say that, in her opinion, "There is no one ideal weight-loss method. What's totally unhealthy is high sugar."
And that's even though some of the studies she is involved with have received financing from the Atkins Foundation, which low-carb guru Dr. Robert Atkins started in 1999 to finance nutrition-related research.
As a former chef, a mother and a woman who has battled with her own weight, she is personally interested in the weight-control aspects of both approaches to eating.
But there are some health aspects to the research that go beyond just weight-loss, although diabetes and obesity have been closely linked and Type 2, formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, is an increasing concern in children.
In one very small study of the metabolic impact of low-carb versus low-fat diets in just five people - an admittedly absurdly small number - a small increased weight loss was noted on a low- carb diet, and researchers concluded that might be related to decreased insulin levels. Inefficient use of insulin, or improper response to insulin - diabetes - means the body doesn't process energy - food - the way it should.
Other research is studying whether brain function can be positively affected by a low-carb diet and even whether tumors can be shrunk with very low-carb diets.
"The cancer study hasn't started yet. I'm the support person," she said.
"We will look and see if there is tumor regression in colon, breast or lung cancer. We'll see if there is regression after a month of a very low-carb diet."
People selected for the study will have "failed chemotherapy. We're only accepting people who are relatively weight stable and within these guidelines relatively healthy at the moment.
"We will enroll one person and see how it goes. We're doing it very very slowly."
She said she was encouraged by the small cerebral effects study that was done - what appears to be the positive energy impact on the brain of a very low-carb diet - 5 percent carbs.
"Our little cerebral study was quite remarkable. With magnetic resonance imaging, we could actually see there was more
ATP in the brain
the energy compound. We only had five people in the study and still found a dramatically significant response to this."
Although so much information is still unknown, Segal-Isaacson did have some quick takes for people who want to know now.
Pear-shaped-bodies, those with weight in the hips and buttocks, appear to do better on low-fat diets.
Apple shapes, those with abdominal fat (linked to diabetes) tend to get in shape better with low-carb diets.
On Health is a weekly column on health issues. If you have questions or comments, write Carolyn Susman at The Palm Beach Post, P.O. Box 24700, West Palm Beach, Fla. 33416, call 820-4433 or e- mail
(C) 2005 The Palm Beach Post. via ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved
