Popular diets equally effective for losing weight
The Journal of Family Practice. 2005 April;54(4):303-309
April 1, 2005|The Journal of Family Practice
Author and Disclosure Information
- Clinical Question: Which of 4 popular diets (Atkins, Zone, Weight Watchers, and Ornish) is most effective for losing weight and reducing cardiac risk factors?
- Study Design: Randomized controlled trial (single-blinded)
- Allocation: Concealed
- Setting: Outpatient (specialty)
- Synopsis: Every week it seems as if somebody publishes another diet book that claims to be the best method for losing weight and keeping it off. In fact, very little data addresses the health effects of popular diets and even less data directly compares different diets.
Bottom Line
All 4 diets are equally effective for helping adults lose weight and reduce cardiac risk factors. Since success in this study directly correlated with adherence to the diet, it makes sense to help patients choose the diet that is easiest for them to follow, and not preferentially encourage one diet over any other. (LOE=1b–)
