A Study Examined the Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet Compared

question 4

Multiple Choice

A study examined the effect of a low-carbohydrate diet compared to a low-fat diet on body weight.  A sample of 150 overweight but otherwise healthy adults from a large city was enrolled in the study and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the low-carbohydrate (40 g/d) or the low-fat (<7% saturated fat) diet.  At 12 months, a greater body weight change was reported in the low-carbohydrate diet group compared to the low-fat diet group, with a mean difference in body weight change of −3.5 kg (p = 0.01, predetermined significance level = 0.05) .  Which of the following is the most accurate interpretation of the results of this study?

• A)The observed mean difference in body weight change of −3.5 kg is not statistically significant
• B)The probability of observing a mean difference in body weight change of −3.5 kg is 0.01
• C)There is a 1% chance of observing a mean difference in body weight change of at least −3.5 kg when no difference between groups is assumed
• D)There is a 1% chance that an adult on a low-carbohydrate diet will have a body weight change of at least −3.5 kg at 12 months after starting the diet
• E)There is a 1% chance that the mean difference in body weight change is biased in favor of the low-carbohydrate diet group

---

Definitions:

Neurotransmitter

Chemical substances in the brain that transmit signals from one neuron to another.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation, affecting emotions, and the overall sense of well-being.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A mental disorder characterized by unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that an individual feels driven to perform.

Checking Routines

Behaviors commonly associated with OCD, involving repeated checking to alleviate anxiety related to fears of harm or mistakes.