Diet and Lose Weight? Scientists Say 'Prove It!'

[imenja]

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/04/health/nutrition/04fat.html?hp&ex=1104901200&en=a6df5c7370f94009&ei=5094&partner=homepage

Diet and Lose Weight? Scientists Say 'Prove It!'
By GINA KOLATA New York Times

Published: January 4, 2005


"With obesity much on Americans' minds, an entire industry has sprung up selling diets and diet books, meal replacements and exercise programs, nutritional supplements and Internet-based coaching, all in an effort to help people lose weight.

But a new study, published today, finds little evidence that commercial weight-loss programs are effective in helping people drop excess pounds. Almost no rigorous studies of the programs have been carried out, the researchers report. And federal officials say that companies are often unwilling to conduct such studies, arguing that they are in the business of treatment, not research.

"In general, the industry has always been opposed to making outcomes disclosures," said Richard Cleland, the assistant director for advertising practices at the Federal Trade Commission.

"They have always given various rationales," Mr. Cleland said, from "'It's too expensive,' to even arguing that part of this is selling the dream, and if you know what the truth is, it's harder to sell the dream." The study, published in today's issue of Annals of Internal Medicine, found that with the exception of Weight Watchers, no commercial program had published reliable data from randomized trials showing that people who participated weighed less a few months later than people who did not participate. And even in the Weight Watchers study, the researchers said, the results were modest, with a 5 percent weight loss after three to six months of dieting, much of it regained."

[tk2kewl]

1. This just gave me a great idea!

How about a faith-based diet program? Maybe I can get some federal funding.

[imenja]

3. LOL

I love it. We could make a killing. Pray your way to a size 6. Sign me up!

[tanyev]

8. Too late.

The Maker's Diet: The 40 Day Health Experience That Will Change Your Life Forever
by Jordan Rubin "MOST OF US ENTER THIS WORLD WITH GREAT FANFARE, FEW problems, and no serious health problems..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
After nutritional consultant Rubin (Patient Heal Thyself; etc.) nearly died from an inflammatory bowel disease that caused him to lose 50 pounds and suffer severe pains, he devised an approach to health that combines wholesome eating with a heavy dose of faith. Indeed, while Rubin presents scientific evidence of his plan's effectiveness and detailed lists of recommended supplements and foods, the diet's religious aspect is fundamental. The 28-year-old Rubin bases his diet on a "Biblically-correct lifestyle," recommending the consumption of organically grown foods and frequently referring to the Bible on matters ranging from personal hygiene ("If the Maker has a preference, it might be the use of ritual bathing that combined bathing... with sprinkling") to getting tattoos ("Scripture warns against piercing the skin"). To help readers avoid disease and live healthily, Rubin lays out a three-stage plan. The first stage-somewhat restrictive, akin to South Beach-prohibits virtually all commercial dairy products, chlorinated tap water, many fats and oils, and all carbohydrates ("While it is true that the people of the Bible consumed a diet that contained liberal amounts of... carbohydrate foods, they were higher-quality, lesser-processed carbohydrates, therefore much easier to digest"). More foods are introduced in subsequent weeks, and those following the diet may eventually incorporate red meat, carbs and saturated fats into their regimens. Rubin's program will be difficult for many, as it calls for drastic changes in the way they go about their lives. However, his approach is unique and provides a refreshing, holistic antidote to many of today's fad diets.

[imenja]

10. Bush funds thousands of faith based programs

He can spring for one more.

[tk2kewl]

12. God dammit!

:evilgrin:

[whistle]

2. Excercise and diet, that seems to work best....

[tridim]

5. You nailed it

Instead of using the term "diet" I just say, eat less. Americans eat much more food than we need.

[dweller]

4. simple strategy

You want to lose weight?

Cut your dietary intake by 1/2, or at least 1/3.

you're not going to starve, and the upshot? increase your longevity at the same time.

Don't believe me?

Ask your Doctor.

dp

[imenja]

6. Not always

That depends on how much you are currently eating. A caloric intake under about 1000 calories can result in muscle deterioration and other health problems. If you're eating 2000-3000 calories a day, then that advice is good.

[dweller]

7. a steady caloric intake under 1000 cal a day

is not an overweight person.

like i said, ask your doctor. Take his/her word for it.

dp

[eridani]

14. Some overweight people eat that much or less n/t

[sushi]

9. If you're healthy and strong-willed

and your only problem is being a bit overweight, there's really no need to buy a weight-loss program. I believe in DIY weight-loss. Eat less and be more active is the way to dropping pounds, or losing inches. Output more than input over a few weeks = drop in size! Having just returned from vacation I have gained weight, my clothes are a bit tight, but I will go back to my previous size, because I want to! To be able to go on wearing my old-size clothes is the best incentive. I just eat less, 'walk-jog' regularly, and drink plenty of water.

[Downtown Hound]

11. I can prove it

I've done it. I lost 20 pounds through diet and exercise. The problem with most of those diet kits that are out there is that people treat them like temporary regimens and then gain all the weight back after they've lost it. You have to totally change your lifestyle if you want to keep the weight off.

[eridani]

13. That's a trivial amount of weight

There are fat women who lose and regain that much in a normal menstrual cycle. The losing weight part involves dropping progesterone levels and peeing like a racehorse.