And the winner is… a three-way tie between the low-fat, low-carb, and Mediterranean diets??? A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine shows all three have similar amounts of modest weight loss. But the debate rages on…
Researchers found after two years, dieters lost an average of 7.3 pounds on the low-fat plan, 10 pounds on the Mediterranean diet, and 12 pounds on a mostly vegetarian version of the low-carbohydrate Atkins diet.
But wait… it doesn’t stop there. In this article from Newsweek, Dr. Dean Ornish says the research has some serious flaws. He makes some pretty interesting points including that the study was partly funded by the Atkins Research Foundation.
The study also highlights how hard it is to lose weight and the fact that most diets do not work well. It really has to be about making permanent changes that will last a lifetime – small changes are the way to do it, in my opinion.
After covering all these diet debates for years, I don’t think they’re ever going to end. Trust me, we haven’t heard the last of this yet.
Photo Credit: stock.xchng
I’ve been on Adkins diet, and yes I lost weight and quickly, but I gained it back plus some! I also lost weight on Weight Watchers and it was slower coming off, but though I’ve gained some back it wasn’t as fast as I did with Adkins.
I’m trying to lose the excess poundage from my small weight gain and I’m convinced the best way to do it is to eat smaller amounts of what I like because if I deprive myself I’ll binge. If I could get myself to exercise, that would even benefit me more, but let’s not hold our breath on that one
Sahar,
Glad we got to meet at BlogHer. I’ll definitely bookmark your site and visit often. Hope you’ll check out http://www.mrandmrsgetfit.com too!
Susan (AKA Mrs.)
I agree that changes in eating habits need to be permanent. As I mentioned before, every so often I go on Jenny Craig to lose 4 or 5 lbs. because these few pounds are one size on me. When I go off the diet after I’ve lost these 4-5 lbs., I need to stay in the same frame of mind or else I’ll gain them back. For example, In order to maintain my lower weight, I’ll continue eating a piece of fruit and a yogurt in between breakfast and lunch and lunch and dinner. This way I’m not starving just before the next meal. With this method, it’s easier to be aware of portion control. Also, whenever I dine out, I’ll immediately cut my salmon or steak in half and take home the uneaten half. This way, I enjoy the restaurant experience without having to worry about the results on the scale the next morning. Restaurants typically serve double portions. Many people are unaware of this. My ex (like many other men) would eat everything on his plate and claim that he was a member of the “clean plate club.” That’s one club which I’d never join!
Just a couple of quick points – The low-fat group ate 30% of their calories from fat.
30%
Pritikin recommends 10%
Also, the Atkins group (the study was partially funded by Atkins) was encourage to eat vegetarian sources of fat and protein.
Because the Atkins diet is known for its adherence to tofu dogs.
The Atkins diet in the study looked more like a Paleo style diet to me
Paleo diet info – http://healthhabits.wordpress.com/2008/05/10/news-flash-caveman-diet-goodyour-diet-bad/
Good point, Sheri – the “clean plate club” is not necessarily the way to go.