# Factors Associated with the Practice of Low-Carb and Low-Fat Diets among Participants of the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

## TL;DR

This study explores why people choose low-carb or low-fat diets, finding that factors like age, health, and socioeconomic status play a role.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific sociodemographic and health factors influencing adoption of low-carb and low-fat diets in a Brazilian cohort.

## Key findings

- Overweight, altered waist circumference, and smoking history increase likelihood of low-carb diets.
- Older age, non-White race, lower income, and hypertension decrease chances of low-carb diets.
- Non-White race, older age, divorce, and low physical activity reduce likelihood of low-fat diets.

## Abstract

In the field of nutrition, both low-carbohydrate (LCD) and low-fat (LFD) diets were initially intended for specific subgroups but are now being embraced by the broader population for various purposes, including aesthetics and overall health. This study aims to assess sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle factors influencing diet choices among public servants in the ELSA-Brasil cohort. Diets were classified as LCD or LFD based on the Brazilian Diabetes Society (<45%) and WHO guidelines (<30%) respectively. A total of 11,294 participants were evaluated (45.3% men; 54.7% women) with a mean age of 52 ± 0.08 years. Having overweight, altered waist circumference, and a history of smoking confers higher chances of adopting an LCD compared to the usual diet, while being over 52 years, non-White race/skin color, in a lower income stratum, and having diagnosis of hypertension and/or diagnosis of diabetes mellitus decrease these chances. Regarding LFDs, belonging to the non-White race/skin color, being over 52 years old, being divorced, and practicing low physical activity decrease the chances of following such a diet compared to the usual diet. In conclusion, factors like age, socioeconomic status, health, and physical activity levels can be the key to understanding why individuals choose restrictive diets beyond clinical advice.