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Review
. 2022 Sep;106(5):739-766.
doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.05.003.

The Data Behind Popular Diets for Weight Loss

Sarah E Ehrlicher  1 , Tsz-Kiu Chui  2 , Julianne G Clina  2 , Katie M Ellison  2 , R Drew Sayer  3
Affiliations
Review

The Data Behind Popular Diets for Weight Loss

Sarah E Ehrlicher et al. Med Clin North Am. 2022 Sep.

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose. Funding provided by General Mills (investigator-initiated grant), Nutrition Obesity Research Center grant P30 DK056336 and K01 DK124244.