Weight Loss Programs

A Comparison of Weight Loss Programs

For anyone who has searched the Internet for weight loss programs, I am sure that they were amazed by the number of programs available. It seems that almost anyone who has lost some weight has put together their own program. Although there are many different theories as to the best way to achieve weight loss, some actually do work quite effectively. Before you decide which one is best for you, make sure you do some research. It will help you decide and it will surly help you avoid disappointment by choosing an ineffective program.

In an effort to compare various weight loss programs, some doctors make the study of these programs an important part of their research. In 2005, Michael Dansinger, an MD from Tufts University, conducted a trial that compared the effectiveness of 4 popular weight loss programs:- Atkins, Zone, Weight Watchers, and Ornish. 160 participants aged between 22 years and 72 years with a mean BMI of 35 were randomly assigned to one of the 4 weight loss programs. The Atkins Diet was carbohydrate restricted, the Zone was macro nutrient balanced, the weight watchers diet was calorie restricted and the Ornish was fat restricted. The participants followed a supervised program for 2 months and then were left to follow the diet on their own. Unfortunately 22% left the study after 2 months. Each group had a modest increase of exercise throughout the trial.

When studies such as this are done the results may be questioned by others depending on how they view particular programs or how detailed the study actually was. For this particular study the overall results showed that all 4 weight loss programs had a measure of success depending on the level of adherence. The trial concluded that there was evidence to suggest that there was not one diet to suit all types. By the end of the trial more people had dropped out of the Ornish and the Atkins suggesting that many people found these weight loss programs too extreme and therefore more difficult to stick to. Perhaps if the participants had been able to choose which program to follow the results may have been better.

Those of us who have tried to achieve weight loss in the past know that what works for some people may not necessarily work for someone else. Also, there are so many variables that can’t be controlled that when studies are conducted great care must be taken to ensure all participants follow the same regime. The fact that one diet doesn’t suit all is a vital piece in the weight loss puzzle. We all have different metabolic rates and different ways of processing our food. If we know what these differences are then we can choose a weight loss program that can be closely matched to our specific needs.

One finding seems to stand out: if you want to lose weight you have to realize that it takes time. Therefore, a short weight loss program most likely will not be very effective, especially at maintaining weight loss. Any weight loss program will only be successful if the participant follows it properly 98% of the time. We all have our 2% lapses but the answer is to get back on the diet as soon as possible. It is also essential to realize that permanent changes need to be made if the weight loss program results are to be maintained

Janet Matthews

skype me: lindajanetmatthews

+44 7815614557

IGB TriPower Team