Obese people can lose weight by following several different diets. Diets emphasizing specific macronutrients (low-fat, low-carb, high-protein diets) are no more effective than diets that maintain a typical mix of foods with smaller portions and possibly some substitutions like low-fat dairy or less salad dressing because successful weight loss and weight maintenance are dependent on calorie intake.
There was no significant difference in weight loss between a healthy low-fat diet and a healthy low-carbohydrate diet during 12-month research, and neither genotype pattern nor baseline insulin secretion was linked to dietary effects on weight loss. Neither of the two hypothesized predisposing characteristics proved useful in determining which diet was better for whom in the context of these two typical weight loss diet methods. Another meta-analysis shows that people who follow a very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (VLCKD) have significantly greater long-term weight loss than people who follow a low-fat diet; thus, the VLCKD could be a useful tool in the fight against obesity.
Low-calorie diets, on the whole, are high in carbs, low in fat, and low in energy (deficit of 500 to 1500 calories per day). Low-calorie diets should have high fiber content and a low glycemic index. Diets high in fiber and low in glycemic index are linked to more satiety, a lower postprandial glycemic response, and lower insulin levels. The National Institutes of Health examined 34 randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of low-calorie diets, finding that they can reduce total body weight by an average of 8% over 3–12 months. A low-calorie diet (800 to 1,500 kcal/day) is the cornerstone of nutritional therapy for overweight patients seeking weight loss. This diet differs from a very low-calorie diet (250–800 kcal/day), which has failed to achieve long-term weight loss. Other risk factors, such as high blood cholesterol and hypertension, are reduced by a low-calorie diet.
There are many different types of low-carb diets. Each diet has distinct restrictions on the types and amounts of carbs that you can consume. In many studies, a low-carb diet results in weight reduction that is 2-3 times higher. Low-carb diets tend to have an excellent safety record. There have been no major negative effects recorded. Research demonstrates that these diets improve a wide range of significant risk factors.
Low-fat diets have a mixed reputation when it comes to weight loss. A Astrup and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of 16 studies ranging in duration from 2 to 12 months. They discovered that low-fat diets without purposeful calorie restriction led to higher weight reduction (3.2 kg, 95 percent confidence range 1.9–4.5 kg).
People who are overweight or obese will need to make dietary changes to reduce their caloric intake. Dietary therapy teaches patients how to modify their diets to reduce their body weight. The utilization of a gradual reduction in calorie intake to accomplish a steady but progressive weight loss is a major aspect of the current recommendation.