The Answer to Weight Loss Is Easy—Doing It Is Hard!

Abstract

IN BRIEFAlthough the number of people dieting continues to increase, the rate of obesity also continues to increase. The latest solution is the high-protein (or, more accurately, high-fat), low-carbohydrate diet. People lose weight while following this diet, but there is no evidence that the weight lost is maintained over the long term. In addition, the diet eliminates whole categories of foods known to have health benefits—fruits, whole-grains, vegetables, and milk. Energy restriction, not manipulation of macronutrients, is associated with weight reduction in the short term. Because we do not yet know how to maintain weight loss over the long-term, diabetes care providers should advise patients to eat healthfully, be physically active, and keep food and blood glucose records.