Effect of Low Carbohydrate Versus Low Fat Diet in the Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Obese Children With Metabolic Syndrome

Two-arm, parallel design with participants randomized (15 per group) to reduced-carbohydrate diet or a reduced-fat diet for 8 weeks. Anthropometric evaluations, lab work for lipid levels, insulin and C peptide levels, resting energy expenditure evaluation, DXA scan and cardiovascular markers will occur at baseline during the initial clinic visit. Individual dietary counseling will be provided at baseline and as well as weekly diet-specific support will be provided with a phone call from the PI. Dietary intake will be assessed with weekly food records (weeks 1-8). The return visit on week 8 will include a visit identical to the initial visit except the resting energy expenditure will not be revaluated, and the participants will be asked to answer a questionnaire about the diet they were consuming.

Inclusion criteria

3 out of 5 of the following criteria

• Metabolic syndrome with dyslipidemia
• (HDL <40mg/dL
• Triglyceride (TG) TG>150mg/dL)
• Glucose intolerance (fasting blood sugar >100mg/dL)
• Central adiposity (Waist circumference ≥90th percentile or adult cutoff if lower)
• Systolic BP ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥85 mm Hg or treatment of previously diagnosed hypertension

Exclusion criteria

• Patient on medications known to induce dyslipidemia (systemic steroids, immunosuppressants)
• Pregnancy
• Untreated thyroid disease, heart disease, cancer, kidney disease
• Children on statin/fibrate treatments or other lipid-lowering medications
• Prior surgical procedure for weight control or current weight loss medication