Weight Loss based on Popular Diets

2014-11-07 14:03:55

A meta-analysis was conducted of named diet programs ⁽¹⁾. A meta-analysis is typically considered the highest level of evidence because it incorporates the results of many high-quality studies. In this case, the authors investigated the weight loss outcomes for popular diets based on their diet class. They searched 6 electronic databases and used studies that only involved overweight or obese adults that were using diets for 3 months or longer. The results showed that they utilized a total of 48 unique randomized trial in their analysis. The largest weight loss was seen with low carb diets at 6 month follow-ups and low fat diets. People experienced different amounts of behavioral support and exercise when followed-up at 12 months, with differing effects on weight loss. The authors conclude that significant weight loss was observed with any low-carbohydrate or low-fat diet. Weight loss differences between individual named diets were small. This supports the practice of recommending any diet that a patient will adhere to in order to lose weight.