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April 2005
What are the long-term benefits of weight reducing diets in adults? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

ABSTRACT

A. Avenell, T. J. Brown, M. A. McGee, M. K. Campbell, A. M. Grant, J. Broom , R. T. Jung & W. C. S. Smith

Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, August 2004; 17(4):317-335

Background: Evidence is needed for the best long-term diet for weight loss, and improvement in cardiac risk and disease in obese adults.

Methods: We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in any language. We searched 13 databases and handsearched journals. Trials lasted 1 year or more. One investigator extracted the data and a second checked data extraction. Trial quality was assessed.

Results: Low fat diets (LFDs) produced significant weight losses up to 36 months (-3.55 kg; 95% CI, -4.54 to -2.55 kg). Blood pressure, lipids and fasting plasma glucose improved with these diets after 12 months. Four studies found that LFDs may prevent type 2 diabetes and reduce antihypertensive medication for up to 3 years. A very low calorie diet (VLCD, <4.2 MJ day -1) was associated with the most weight loss after 12 months (-13.40 kg; 95% CI, -18.43 to -8.37 kg) in one small study with beneficial effects on asthma. There was no evidence that low carbohydrate protein sparing modified fasts (PSMFs) were associated with greater long-term weight loss than low calorie diets (LCDs, 4.2-6.7 MJ day -1) or VLCDs. PSMFs were, however, associated with greater lowering of fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c than LCDs.

Conclusions: Little evidence supports the use of diets other than LFDs for weight reduction. With the increasing prevalence of morbid obesity, long-term follow-up in RCTs is needed to evaluate the effect of LCDs, VLCDs and PSMFs more fully.

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