According to glycemicindex.com (created by the University of Sydney) glycemic index “Is a ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 according to the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating. (1)” This scale was originally developed to guide those with diabetes – the lower on the GI scale the better. However, more recent studies have determined low GI foods may be energy dense as well – containing large amounts of sugars and fats that contribute to a diminished glycemic index (2).
Also, the Evidence Analysis Library determined there is “no significance in energy intake or body weight after the consumption of a low glycemic diet.” The academy bases this conclusion off of 8 randomized controlled trails that all report the same thing – a low GI diet will not help you lose weight or lower your energy consumption. Overall, for a healthy person to switch to a low GI diet doesn’t show any benefit (3).
References
1.) University of Sydney. About Glycemic Index. The University of Sydney. 2011. Available at: http://www.glycemicindex.com/about.php
2.) BJ Venn, TJ Green. Glycemic index and glycemic load: measurement issues and their effect on diet-disease relationships. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2007;61:S122-S131. Available at: http://www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/v61/n1s/full/1602942a.html
3.) AND. How effective is the consumption of low glycemic index foods?. Evidence Analysis Library. 2014. Available at: http://andevidencelibrary.com/evidence.cfm?evidence_summary_id=250144
