The Problems Of Treating Obesity

Published: 04 July 2007

Scientists claim diets ineffective

New findings from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) present a negative outlook on the effectiveness of diets in maintaining long-term weight loss for obese people.  The study is published in the April edition of American Psychologist, the journal of the American Psychological Association.

The scientists conducted a comprehensive review of 31 long-term dieting studies lasting between 2 to 5 years involving obese participants.  Their findings show that the participants typically lose 5 to 10 per cent of their weight in the first 6 months.  However between one-third and two-thirds regain more than what they lose within 4 to 5 years.  Consequently the researchers claim that it would have been better for most of the obese participants if they had not gone on a diet at all, so their bodies would escape the wear and tear from losing weight and then gaining it all back.

Given the health hazards of repeated weight loss and regain are cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes, lead author of the study, Dr Traci Mann concluded: "Diets do not lead to sustained weight loss or health benefits for the majority of obese people."

Effective strategies for weight control
A 2003 report developed by the Medical Research Council  (2003) called Tackling The Weight Of The Nation, which FAB commissioned, supports the UCLA findings.  It also found that for many people losing weight is not the problem, but maintaining the weight loss long-term.

Based on a review of scientific evidence, the MRC concluded that the key characteristics of successful long-term weight control are the following combination of diet and lifestyle habits:

• Consume low fat foods and more wholegrain and high-fibre carbohydrate foods
  
• Use reduced fat cooking methods
  
• Increase activity, by reducing sedentary activities and increasing programmed exercise
  
• Restrict intake of energy dense foods and eat smaller portion sizes
  
• Reduce added sugars, especially soft drinks
  
• Increase fruit and vegetable intake
  
• Plan regular meals, including breakfasts and snacks
  
• Set small realistic goals
  
• Regular weighing
  
• Obtain help and support from family, friends, and health professionals