weight loss (Photo : Facebook)
Every weighty person knows that weight-loss is easier to fathom than achieve in real life. A new study, the report of which is published in Annals of Internal Medicine proves that to be correct.
The research that studied nearly 4,200 studies shows that most of the weight loss programs, either traditional or available through apps or via online, are impact-less.
According to the study, Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers were the best ones. They were the only programs where participants, achieved weight loss of 8 lbs and 15 lbs, respectively, which correspond to an average figure achieved in one year.
The study also found that only 11 out of 32 most popular programs were scientifically studied. Most, were more famous through word-of-mouth than being study-tested.
NutriSystem, a less-researched one and high-fat, low-carb Atkins Diet plan were also quite promising ones. In the non-commercial category, DASH Diet Was the Best for the Fourth Year in a Row in 2014, according to Shape.
Low-calorie diet plans, including OPTIFAST, Health Management Resources, and Medifast showed initial success, but over longer duration, their efficacy flattened.
Marion Nestle, a New York University nutritionist who studied the programs said the said weight loss plans "seem to do a little better than others, but none of them produce impressive long-term results."
The report also has some interesting data. Kimberly A. Gudzune of Johns Hopkins University, who led the study, found that in 2014, Americans spent an estimated $2.5 billion on weight loss programs, reports the Science of Us.
Gudzune also noted that one study found that Millennials are less likely to seek help of commercial weight loss programs than other age groups. The reason, however, is not clear.
