The LOCA Study

The recruitment phase for this study has now been completed. We'll be updating the website shortly with results and conclusions. Thank you.

What is this research about?

Diets low in carbohydrates have become popular for weight loss. However, people may follow different varieties of the a low carbohydrate diet and use different types of food to replace carbohydrates in their diets with.
We want to know how people in New Zealand are using the low carbohydrate diet in their day-to-day lives. This will help us understand different food choices possible on a low carbohydrate diets and how it may impact people in NZ’s lives.

Who can participate?

Men and women can volunteer and should:

• be between 20 and 45 years old.
• be following a low carbohydrate diet for at least 4 months.
• not be pregnant or lactating.
• not have chronic conditions or use medications that may affect our results (e.g. cancer, kidney, liver disease, etc.).
• not have had bariatric surgery.
• be able to attend a visit  at the Human Nutrition Research Unit on the Albany (Auckland) campus.

What is expected of you?

The study involves visiting our Human Nutrition Research Unit, giving a blood sample, keeping a diet record for 4 days, and completing questionnaires about your diet, exercise and health.

You will be reimbursed for your time and travel costs ($50 petrol voucher).
Once the study is completed, you will receive your blood results.
We will also give you a summary of the main study findings and healthy eating guidelines and nutritional information to fit your lifestyle.

Full information sheet

Study contacts

Page authorised by Head of School, School of Food and Nutrition
Last updated on Friday 05 July 2019