Table 3.

Pros and cons of reducing carbohydrate in the diet.

Pros	Cons
Improved fasting insulin, insulin resistance and glycaemic status, irrespective of weight change
Can be achieved via explicit carbohydrate reduction or altering dietary pattern	Increased fatigue could result in reduced desire to complete physical activity
Facilitates reduction in hepatic fat	May be difficult to follow long-term due to the required carbohydrate restriction
Facilitates reduction in inflammation	Reduced intake of fibre and phytochemicals if vegetable intake not suitably increased
Several diet strategies available to achieve reduced carbohydrate allowing individualisation of the diet to the patient	More research needed to support their use in youth
Greater short-term weight loss