Effect of a walnut-based low carbohydrate diet on fat redistribution and visceral fat accumulation in people with central obesity: A randomized controlled trial

Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether a walnut-based low carbohydrate diet (w-LCD) promotes fat redistribution and reduces visceral fat accumulation in people with central obesity (CO). Methods and study design: This study was a 12-week prospective randomized controlled trial. CO participants were recruited and assigned to the w-LCD group or high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet (HCD) group. According to "2021 Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy of Overweight and Obesity", the HCD program was constructed; based on the HCD program, the w-LCD program was formed by replacing 150 grams/day of staple food with walnuts rich in healthy fat. The visceral fat area (VFA), trunk to leg fat ratio (TLR), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks.