Identical twins Ross and Hugo Turner followed different diets for 12 weeks to test which is better – high-fat or high-carb. The results show that both got fitter and leaner, but the high-carb twin had more energy.
The brothers, who are professional adventurers in their 30s, tested two diets: one with a high-fat intake and another with a high-carb intake. They added 500 calories of carbs or fat to their diets, with Ross getting more carbs and Hugo getting more fats. They also consumed protein shakes daily to support muscle building.
Despite the restrictive nature of both diets, Ross reported feeling full on his high-carb diet, while Hugo struggled with hunger pangs on his high-fat diet. The experiment found that Hugo gained 3kg of muscle but lost fat, while Ross lost less fat but maintained his cholesterol levels.
However, during endurance exercises, Hugo performed poorly and lacked energy, whereas Ross performed better and had more energy. The scientists who monitored the twins noted that both got fitter, with Ross pushing himself harder.
A sports physiologist advises that there’s no single “best” diet for everyone, but rather finding a balance that fuels your lifestyle. The twins now plan to tweak their diets depending on their upcoming expeditions.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/fat-loss-diet-high-carb-energy-twin-experiment-2025-2