Scientific Data On Diet Plans Is
Slim : Review
January 4, 2005
Study Finds Weight Watchers Only Diet Backed By
Research
As millions of Americans resolve to lose
weight in the new year, a new review shows that
most popular diet plans don't have research to back
their safety and success.
Researchers found that a lot of popular weight-loss
programs can't prove their claims when it comes to shedding
pounds and keeping the weight from coming back.
A new study of 10 popular diet programs found that
only one has strong scientific evidence to back weight
loss claims: Weight Watchers. Of three randomized, controlled
trials of the diet, the largest study reported a loss
of 3.2 percent of initial weight at two years.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School
of Medicine in Philadelphia said the lack of scientific
evidence on other diets doesn't mean the programs don't
work, just that they can't prove their success or safety.
The review appearing in the Annals of Internal Medicine
looked at the commercial programs Weight Watchers, Jenny
Craig and L.A. Weight Loss. Researchers also examined
three medically supervised programs: Health Management
Resources, Optifast and Medifast. The study also looked
at one Internet program -- eDiets.com -- and two self-help
programs: Take Off Pounds Sensibly and Overeaters Anonymous.
Study co-author Thomas Wadden said all the programs
"have helped some individuals," but it would
be "very useful" to have scientific data about
safety and effectiveness among a large group of people.
Source:www.channel3000.com
|
