Here is a great article (check out the comments too - interesting!) about a recent study done comparing a low-carb diet based on Atkins for Life (more veggies) and higher fat vs a high carb low-fat diet proposed by the American Heart Association. Exercise was included, but this seems to make people worry that the results for the low-carb diet may have been skewed. "In a study overseen by Dr. Phillips and published earlier this year, sedentary people on a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet lost pounds but few inches from around their middles. They also showed signs of impaired blood vessel health after six weeks on the diet. “There seems to be something about fat” around the waistline that negatively affects heart health, even if someone loses weight with a high-fat diet, Dr. Phillips said." (Hmmm, I vaguely remember the late Dr. Atkins said we should wait about 3 months before doing the next blood test.)
Anyway, blood vessels remained healthy in both camps and people lost weight faster on low-carb (big surprise). They did not measure triglycerides, etc., but should have and cautioned that they have no idea what the outcome will be 5 to 10 years on a low-carb diet. However...."The data being presented on Friday represent only interim results from a longer-term, larger study, Dr. Stewart pointed out. The full study will monitor the volunteers for six months and include additional measures of cardiovascular health after both diets." That is a study to look out for.
This was interesting: "Dr. Stewart also has amassed some intimate anecdotal evidence. For a small pilot study several years ago, he became a test subject, adopting a low-carbohydrate diet and regular exercise routine. For three years, he has maintained both the diet and the workouts. He is 40 pounds lighter these days and, he said, continues to ace tests of his blood-vessel health." Yay!! Proof enough for me!