Popular Diets Achieve Only Modest Long-Term Weight Loss

Popular Diets Achieve Only Modest Long-Term Weight Loss

By Larry Husten

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Lorenzo Di Francesco, MD, FACP, FHM

Four popular weight-loss diets produce at best only modest long-term benefits, with few differences across the four, according to a study inCirculation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Researchers examined 12 randomized, controlled studies of the Atkins, South Beach, Zone, or Weight Watchers diets. Ten studies compared one of the diets with usual care. In these, Weight Watchers was the only diet to consistently outperform usual care, but the difference in weight loss at 1 year was modest at best (range: 3.5-6.0 kg vs. 0.8-5.4 kg). In the two head-to-head trials, the Atkins and Zone diets resulted in a similar but modest weight loss. Longer-term data out to 2 years — available only for Weight Watchers and Atkins — indicated that some of the lost weight was regained over time.

An editorialist argues passionately that the focus on individual diets or specific macronutrients is misguided and unhelpful. He proposes a simple formula: "wholesome foods in sensible combinations."

Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes article (Free PDF)

Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes editorial(Subscription required)

Background: NEJM Journal Watch General Medicine summary on low-fat versus low-carb diets (Your NEJM Journal Watch subscription required)