XML Feed for RxPG News   Add RxPG News Headlines to My Yahoo!   Javascript Syndication for RxPG News

Research Health World General
 
  Home
 
 Latest Research
 Cancer
 Psychiatry
 Genetics
 Surgery
 Aging
 Ophthalmology
 Gynaecology
 Neurosciences
 Pharmacology
 Cardiology
 Obstetrics
 Infectious Diseases
 Respiratory Medicine
 Pathology
 Endocrinology
 Immunology
 Nephrology
 Gastroenterology
 Biotechnology
 Radiology
 Dermatology
 Microbiology
 Haematology
 Dental
 ENT
 Environment
 Embryology
 Orthopedics
 Metabolism
  Metabolic Syndrome
  Obesity
  Hemochromatosis
  Hyperlipidemia
 Anaethesia
 Paediatrics
 Public Health
 Urology
 Musculoskeletal
 Clinical Trials
 Physiology
 Biochemistry
 Cytology
 Traumatology
 Rheumatology
 
 Medical News
 Health
 Opinion
 Healthcare
 Professionals
 Launch
 Awards & Prizes
 
 Careers
 Medical
 Nursing
 Dental
 
 Special Topics
 Euthanasia
 Ethics
 Evolution
 Odd Medical News
 Feature
 
 World News
 Tsunami
 Epidemics
 Climate
 Business
 
 India
Search

Last Updated: Nov 18, 2006 - 12:32:53 PM

BBC diet trials

Obesity Channel
subscribe to Obesity newsletter

Latest Research : Metabolism : Obesity

   DISCUSS   |   EMAIL   |   PRINT
Commercial diets are a useful way to lose weight
Jun 2, 2006 - 11:02:00 PM, Reviewed by: Dr. Priya Saxena

There were no significant differences in cardiac risk factors between the diet groups and the control group. The Atkins diet did not lead to substantial increases in cholesterol levels.

 
Commercial diets are a useful way to lose weight. And those based on group support seem to fare better at keeping the weight off in the long term, finds a study in this week�s BMJ.

Researchers compared the effectiveness of four popular commercial weight loss programmes with a control group. The study was sponsored by the BBC as part of its reality TV series, BBC Diet Trials.

The diets were the Slim-Fast Plan (a meal replacement approach), Weight Watchers pure points programme (an energy controlled diet with weekly group meetings), Dr Atkins� new diet revolution (a self-monitored low carbohydrate eating plan), and Rosemary Conley�s eat yourself slim diet and fitness plan (a low fat diet and weekly exercise class). The control group was asked to maintain their current diet and exercise pattern.

Weight and body fat changes were monitored over six months and dieting behaviour was checked again at 12 months.

After six months, all diets resulted in significant loss of body fat and weight compared to the control group. Average weight loss was 5.9 kg and average fat loss was 4.4. kg (5-10% of body weight). The Atkins diet resulted in significantly higher weight loss during the first four weeks, but by the end, was no more or less effective than the other diets.

There were no significant differences in cardiac risk factors between the diet groups and the control group. The Atkins diet did not lead to substantial increases in cholesterol levels.

At 12 months, 158 participants (54% of the original sample) returned data. Only 58 (45%) were still keeping to their allocated diets (nine to Atkins, 20 to Weight Watchers, nine to Slim-Fast, 20 to Rosemary Conley). More participants in the unsupported programmes (Atkins diet and Slim-Fast) withdrew from the study than in the supported group based programmes, and weight rebound after the initial six months was higher in the unsupported programmes.
Commercial diets are a useful way to lose weight

The authors conclude that clinically useful weight loss and fat loss can be achieved in adults who are motivated to follow commercial diets for a substantial period. People need to find a diet that best suits them.

�Our study provides data on how much weight patients can expect to lose by dieting,� they write. �These data could help practitioners in managing patients� expectations of weight loss targets.�

An accompanying editorial suggests that the challenge to researchers is to take weight loss studies to the next level by evaluating long term health outcomes, cost effectiveness, and novel strategies of improving adherence and weight maintenance.
 

- British Medical Journal, 3 June 2006 (Vol 332, No 7553)
 

Read full text research article at bmj.com

 
Subscribe to Obesity Newsletter
E-mail Address:

 



Related Obesity News

Children�s Belly Fat Increases More Than 65 Percent
Rising abdominal obesity among kids causes concern
Link between short sleep duration and obesity uncovered
'Portion Distortion' may contribute to expanding waistlines
Obese men are more likely to be infertile
Early-onset morbid obesity linked with low IQ scores
BMI is an unreliable indicator of obesity
Exercise important in reducing size of abdominal fat cells
High BMI doesn't always spell obesity
Health Risks in Obesity are Underestimated


For any corrections of factual information, to contact the editors or to send any medical news or health news press releases, use feedback form

Top of Page

 

© Copyright 2004 onwards by RxPG Medical Solutions Private Limited
Contact Us