Diet Problem

A recent New England Journal of Medicine study to figure out which diet mix was best for weight loss came to some interesting conclusions.Researchers divided over 800 participants into 4 different popular diet groups. Each group had a different percent of carbs, proteins and fats. Researchers wanted to figure out which mix was the best for weight loss.

Regardless of the diet each individual had to cut 750 calories from their diet. In addition participants had to commit to 90 minutes of brisk exercise per week and keep a diet journal. The participants also took part in group meeting to help and support each other.

After two years none of the groups really outperformed and the results led researchers to believe that there was not any special mix of carbs, fats and proteins that was responsible for the loss but instead it was a restriction in caloric intake  that led to weight loss. Support groups and diet journals also helped participants from straying off their diets. Of course those who stayed on their diets and went to support regularly did the best. Average weight loss after 2 years was about 9 pounds. The average trend was to take weight off more rapidly in the first year of the study and slowly put it back on as the study went on.

Results seem to indicate that support groups and diet journals could be more important than any diet you may decide to follow. If you can’t find a support group near you it might be worth while to search for a diet forum or chat room online where you can meet people with similar goals as you.