What characterizes effective weight loss?


The question at issue: Do the proportions I choose for fat, carbohydrates and protein make any difference in losing weight?

Results: Dietary composition, i.e. share of fat, carbohydrates and protein had no effect on weight loss. The most important thing for weight loss is the balance of energy, i.e. that you consume a low calorie diet and follow it over an adequate period of time.

Sacks_NEJM_2009.pdf


The question at issue: Does drinking water before meals help when you want to lose weight?

Results: Test subjects who drank half a liter of water before meals had better weight loss (an average of 2 kg) compared to people who did not drink water before meals.

Dennis_Obesity_2009.pdf


The question at issue: How do I maintain as much muscle mass as possible while following a low calorie diet (800 calories/day)?

Results: Circuit training that incorporates both fitness and strength stations 3 times a week was more effective that fitness training alone in maintaining muscle mass and basal metabolism while following a 12 week low calorie diet.

Bryner_JA_Coll_Nutr_1999.pdf


The question at issue: Is following a VLCD diet an advantage or disadvantage when you want to weigh less over the long term?

Results: People who lost weight by following a VLCD diet weighed less both in the short term and after 5 years, compared to people who had a more moderate rate of weight loss.

Anderson_AJCN_2001.pdf


The question at issue: Is it good or bad over the long term to initially lose weight quickly?

Results: People who initially lose weight quickly (-13.5 kg after 6 months) had an increased likelihood of weighing less even after 18 months (-10.9 kg), compared to people who lost weight gradually (-5.1 kg and -3.7 kg after 6 and 18 months, respectively).

Nackers_IJBM_2010.pdf


The question at issue: What results do you get from attending Weight Watchers?

Results: People who follow the Weight Watchers program lose 4.3 kg after one year and 2.9 kg after two years.

Heshka_JAMA_2003.pdf



Itrim Fact no. 34


Ever since the beginning of 2003, Itrim has been recording statistics of its members' weight loss results in a health database, for the purpose of developing the program and obtaining concrete proof that it works over the long term.