Science Says Paleo Diet Could Make You Gain Weight

Maybe reconsider that double-serve of steak you’re planning on having for breakfast tomorrow.

A new study by Melbourne University researchers has found that following the Paleo diet for merely eight weeks can lead to rapid weight gain and a spike in a person’s insulin levels.

The study’s lead author, Associate Professor Sof Andrikopoulos, has subsequently issued a warning about the low-carb, high-fat, beef-favouring diet, the SMH reports.

The study was initially intended to reveal the benefits of such a diet for people with pre-diabetes. However, after testing two groups of overweight rats for eight weeks, it was discovered that the group on the Paleo diet had grown by 15 per cent, while their fat mass of two per cent had nearly doubled entirely.

Their blood sugar levels also rose.

Rats are often used for such experiments, on account of the similarities between mouse and human genomes.

"In humans, this level of weight gain will increase blood pressure and the risk of anxiety and depression and may even cause bone issues and arthritis," Professor Andrikopoulos said.

“The bottom line is it's not good to eat too much fat.”

Professor Andrikopoulos concludes that those with diabetes or pre-diabetes would be better suited to a Mediterranean diet instead.

However, as with any dietary suggestion, you should probably speak to a GP before making any major changes to your food intake.

Photo: NBC.