Opinion Dynamics Corporation has studied the effectiveness of low-carb diets by conducting monthly surveys on low-carb behavior. The surveys were conducted independently--no outside organization paid for any of the low-carb research. The first study was conducted in December 2003, and the most recent study was conducted in May 2004. They asked questions on low-carb behavior for people who have tried a low-carb diet over the past two years, accounting for 24 percent of the U.S. adult population.
Their research shows that the popularity of low-carb diets has remained stable over the past several months, and has not decreased, as several commentators have asserted. Their research also shows that low-carb diets have proven effective for losing weight, not just in theory, but in practice as well. The major warning here is that not all low-carb diets are the same. If you haven't read one of the most popular articles I ever published yesterday, please read my review of the South Beach Diet as to why you need to pay careful attention to what type of low-carb program you choose.
Opinion Dynamics June 9, 2004