Commercial diets tested
Clinically beneficial weight loss is achievable through commercial programmes, according to a recent study (BMJ 2006;332:1309).
Researchers evaluated data from the BBC “diet trials”, which
compared the Slim-Fast plan (meal replacement approach), Weight Watchers
pure points programme (energy controlled diet with weekly group meetings),
Dr Atkins’ new diet revolution (self monitored low carbohydrate
plan) and Rosemary Conley’s eat yourself slim plan (low fat diet
and weekly group exercise class) with a control group who retained their
usual habits.
All the intervention groups saw weight loss, fat loss and reduction in
waist circumference at all stages of the study, compared with controls
(P<0.001). During the first four weeks, mean weight loss was higher
in the Atkins group than in the other intervention groups (P<0.001).
The authors found no harmful effects on total cholesterol or renal function
for patients in the Atkins group, but the overall safety of the diet
was not tested. |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
Acrobat
Reader