Which Diet is Best? Just Reducing Calories is Confirmed

Yes… this rain will stop (has stopped?) and you want to be comfortable lounging by the pool. So how do you meet that goal of looking good poolside this summer? 

Well — a new study from Harvard Medical (AmJCl Nut 2012;95:614-25) compared four of the leading diets with differing amounts of fat, protein and carbohydrates.  Harvard followed 425 adults for 6 months during the diet phase and then another 6 months after the diet phase. This study was well done and costly (they spent about $5 Million).  The investigators (and dieters) manipulated one variable in all four groups….calories. 

All groups reduced their calorie intake below the amount of calories it took to stay the same weight, by 750 calories per day. The four groups lost weight, reduced waist size and decreased fat levels in organs at a similar rate as well as amount. Those that chose to go off of the diet also gained it back similarly.

Bottom line (pun intended), there’s no need for a fancy diet. The easiest way to fit into that “itsy bitsy teenie-weenie yellow poka dot bikini” is to cut calories.