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Low-glycemic desserts may aid dieters' weight loss efforts

Category: Diabetes

Anyone who has received a positive HbA1c test for diabetes knows that avoiding sugary foods that are high in fat is important to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and losing weight. However, it is often difficult for individuals to avoid splurging on fattening desserts.

In an attempt to solve this problem, a team of researchers from the University of Athens School of Medicine in Greece tested the effectiveness of allowing a group of overweight girls who were at risk for diabetes to eat sugar-free, low-fat desserts several times per week.

After examining the effects of this approach, the team found that girls who followed this dieting method were more likely to lose weight and stay on a healthy diet than individuals who were allowed to eat whatever type of dessert they wanted once per week.

The researchers said that their findings suggest it may be possible to provide a bit of wiggle room to dieters in a healthy manner.

"Desserts with a low glycemic index and glycemic load, when eaten in moderation, are valuable tools in the treatment of pediatric obesity," said Antonia Dastamani, who led the investigation.