The Data Behind Popular Diets for Weight Loss

Sarah E Ehrlicher; Tsz-Kiu Chui; Julianne G Clina; Katie M Ellison; R Drew Sayer

doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2022.05.003

The Data Behind Popular Diets for Weight Loss

Med Clin North Am. 2022 Sep;106(5):739-766. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.05.003.

Authors

Sarah E Ehrlicher¹, Tsz-Kiu Chui², Julianne G Clina², Katie M Ellison², R Drew Sayer³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Webb 256, 1675 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. Electronic address: sehrlich@uab.edu.
² Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Webb 630, 1675 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
³ Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Webb 634, 1675 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.

PMID: 36154698
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.05.003

Abstract

Both scientific evidence and popular diet trends have sought to identify the ideal diet for weight loss with strategies focused on either restricting carbohydrates or fat. While there is a strong physiologic rationale for either carbohydrate restriction or fat restriction to achieve a calorie deficit needed for weight loss, evidence from randomized controlled trials suggest either type of diet is effective for weight loss. The level of adherence, rather than macronutrient content, is the driver of successful weight loss.

Keywords: Appetite control; Cognitive restraint; Diet adherence; Low-carbohydrate diets; Low-fat diets; Weight loss.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Carbohydrates
Diet, Fat-Restricted*
Dietary Carbohydrates
Energy Intake
Humans
Obesity*
Weight Loss

Substances

Carbohydrates
Dietary Carbohydrates