As mentioned in the first article on the "BBC Diet Trials", which reviewed the results obtained with four different weight-loss diets, the diets produced different results and had different dropout rates.
The scientific results were as follows:
Diet
Weight loss at 1 month
Weight loss at 6 months
Dropout rate
Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution
4,4kg
6,0kg
30%
Weight Watchers Pure Points
2,9kg
6,6kg
19%
Slim-Fast very-low-energy diet, using shakes
2,7kg
4,8kg
30%
Rosemary Conley Eat Yourself Slim Diet & Fitness Plan
3,2kg
6,3kg
30%
Control group - no diet or exercise
0,5kg
Gained weight!
N/A
Feedback from dieters
The following feedback was obtained from the individuals who participated in the BBC Diet Trials:
1) Atkins Diet
Users reported that they found this diet very restrictive (only protein and fats allowed with minimal quantities of carbohydrate), and expensive. In the long-term, users developed deficiencies and had to be put on vitamin supplements.
The Atkins dieters liked the fact that they did not have to count calories and felt that this was a good diet for men.
The organisers caution that if you are losing weight to lower your blood cholesterol levels, the Atkins diet "may not be the diet for you".
2) Weight Watchers (WW)
The participants who used the WW diet reported that they never felt hungry, did not get guilt feelings because there are no 'banned' foods (i.e. this is a balanced diet that makes use of foods from all the food groups).
They also said that it was a relief to be able to eat the same food as the rest of the family. The group support provided by WW was also viewed as positive and helpful.
Women seemed to obtain the most benefit from WW, especially those with families.
3) Slim-Fast
Dieters reported that this diet, where two meals a day are substituted with diet shakes, was simple and convenient to use during the week, but difficult to stick to over weekends.
Not being able to eat solid food at two meals a day, was a problem for some dieters and most users thought that this type of diet is suitable for short-term, occasional weight loss.
This diet regimen is well suited to those individuals who are busy and don't have time to prepare food and for people looking for "a simple solution".
4) Rosemary Conley (RC)
This combination of a low-fat, balanced diet with regular exercise was found to be enjoyable and dieters did not develop cravings because they were allowed to eat normal meals with sufficient food.
The users reported that they found it time-consuming to check foods for fat content, but all of them enjoyed the exercise classes, unless the classes were held far from home.
The organisers felt that this approach suits women and people who like to lose weight in groups and enjoy exercise. What is important is that the RC regimen appealed to those people who realised that they needed a 'lifestyle change' to lose weight and keep it off.
What's the verdict?
So, after considering all the different results obtained from the BBC Diet Trials, what does this mean for the man or women on the street who wants to lose weight?
From a weight-loss point of view, it is evident that the Weight Watchers balanced diet approach with group sessions was the most successful. Fewer participants dropped out of this programme and dieters lost the most weight over a period of six months.
Weight Watchers and Weigh-Less are both available in South Africa, so if you do decide that you want to lose weight sensibly and need the support of a group, then these two organisations can assist you to achieve your gaols.
Since the exercise component of the Rosemary Conley programme proved so popular and successful, South Africans can add regular, daily exercise to their Weight Watchers or Weigh-Less regimens.
You can join a gym or Walk for Life or get active at home by doing brisk walking, jogging, running, skipping, swimming or cycling. Gyms and Walk for Life are excellent solutions for those dieters who need the support of a group and/or instructor to get active.
If you don't want to join a group and are motivated to make a lifestyle change on your own, you can consult a clinical dietician by visiting the Association for Dietetics in SA website and clicking on "Find a Dietician". You can then combine the diet the dietician works out for you with regular exercise, as suggested above.
For individuals who only need to lose a small amount of weight and lead a rushed lifestyle, the use of diet shakes can be considered, but keep in mind that rapid weight loss usually leads to equally rapid regain of that weight. You may also get bored with having two liquid meals a day and this could sabotage your attempts at losing weight.
For those dieters who are determined to use the Atkins diet, keep in mind that although initial weight loss is rapid, over time this diet does not cause more weight loss than a balanced, low-fat, moderately energy-reduced diet like the Weight Watchers or Rosemary Conley diet.
The Atkins diet may also lead to nutritional deficiencies if you use it for a long time and can increase your cholesterol levels if you eat too much protein and fat.
Each person who sets out to lose weight should keep in mind that you need to change your lifestyle and that this may have to be a lifelong commitment. In such cases it is far safer and healthier to switch to a balanced, low-fat diet and daily exercise than to use diet shakes and/or high-protein, high-fat diets. – (Dr Ingrid van Heerden, DietDoc, November 2006)
References:
(Diet Trials: The results. www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressrelease/stories/2003/04_april /02/diet_trials.sht).
Bookmark with:
What are social bookmarks?