Two identical twins embarked on different dietary regimens, one focused on carbohydrates and the other on fats, and shared the unexpected effects on their bodies.
Hugo and Ross Turner participated in a study alongside Loughborough University in the UK, where they each adhered to a distinct diet plan focusing on either fats or carbohydrates.
During a 12-week program, Ross followed a strict carbohydrate diet, while Hugo adhered to a fat-based meal plan.
Despite the dietary differences, the twins’ intake had many similarities.
Both consumed approximately 3,500 calories daily, partially supplied by Frive, a service offering healthy, chef-prepared meals.
Additionally, each consumed 350 calories from protein shakes and other snacks, helping them reach the 3,500 calorie target.
The only difference in their calorie intake was 500 calories, with Hugo obtaining these from fats and Ross from carbohydrates.
The results, released on Wednesday (January 22), indicated a 59 percent increase in Hugo’s strength from the fat diet, compared to a 56 percent increase for Ross on the carb diet.
As anticipated, Hugo’s body mass rose by 2.7 kg, whereas Ross’s increased by just 0.2 kg on the carbohydrate plan.
The study’s authors summarized: “Both diets during the 12-week training demonstrated physiological enhancements in metabolic, cardiac, and efficiency markers despite VO2max not showing improvement.”
They further concluded: “A higher carbohydrate diet is more advantageous for activities requiring higher intensity, such as running, lifting, and exercise (CrossFit, 10k, half marathon etc.), whereas a higher fat diet benefits lower intensity, longer-duration activities (walking, hiking, jogging). This aligns with the general hypothesis regarding carbohydrate and fat-rich diets.”
Unexpectedly, the skinfold test in the study showed a reduction in body fat for both twins, although the Bodystat machine indicated an increase in Hugo’s body fat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mMKk4hwdoc
Previously, Hugo and Ross had experimented with separate vegan and meat-based diets over 12 weeks, yielding intriguing results.
Hugo noticed increased energy levels throughout the day, while Ross commented that his gym performance was more variable with a meat diet.
Health-wise, Hugo found a significant reduction in the diversity of his gut bacteria, whereas Ross’s remained stable, suggesting he was less prone to illnesses.