Do-Low-Carb-Diets-Shorten-Your-Life-Debunking-the-Study-Part-1 selfloveclub

Do Low-Carb Diets Shorten Your Life? Debunking the Study – Part 1

Welcome to SELFLOVECLUB! Today, we’re diving into a headline that scared a lot of people: “Low-carb diets reduce your lifespan.” Sounds alarming, right? Let’s break it down.

1. The Study That Shocked the World

In 2018, a widely cited study published in The Lancet suggested that people who eat too little or too much carbohydrates are at higher risk of early death. Major media ran with it—but what’s the real story?

2. What Was Actually Measured?

The study was based on self-reported surveys collected every 6 years over a 25-year span. Participants had to recall their eating habits from the past year. Sounds flawed already, right?

3. The Data Doesn't Add Up

Oddly, the group consuming the least carbs reported eating only 1500–1600 calories per day. That’s significantly below the U.S. average and likely underreported. Plus, obesity and diabetes rates were higher in that group—contradicting most real-world low-carb outcomes.

4. Memory-Based Surveys Are Problematic

Would you accurately recall everything you ate last year? Neither would most people. That’s why these types of surveys are among the least reliable methods for nutritional studies.

5. Confounding Factors Matter

People on low-carb diets often have other lifestyle factors—exercise, stress, medical conditions—that aren’t always accounted for. Drawing conclusions from weak data leads to misinformation.

6. Better Studies Tell a Different Story

Controlled trials with expert monitoring (like the DIETFITS and Virta Health studies) show that low-carb diets help with weight loss, insulin sensitivity, and even energy levels—without harming longevity.

7. So... Should You Fear Carbs?

Not exactly. It’s not about fearing carbs, but about managing them wisely. Cutting refined carbs and sugars can benefit most people, especially those with metabolic conditions. But you don’t need to go extreme.

8. Product Picks for Smarter Low-Carb Living 🛒

👉 Shop SELFLOVECLUB's Low-Carb Essentials

Final Thoughts

Low-carb diets don’t kill you. Poor science and poor reporting do. Always look beyond the headlines and focus on what works for your body. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Myths & Truths series!

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