Diets can be intimidating. There are a multitude of diets on the market – some are safe, and some are not.
A few small studies suggest certain foods may help promote weight loss for specific individuals. However, caution is warranted regarding potential adverse events associated with these foods and medications.
While some people are successful in finding a short-term diet to lose weight, about 80-95% of those regain the weight in the long term.
Given that most people find all this information quite overwhelming, it is surprising that only 5% of patients attempting to lose weight consult a professional nutrition counselor.
Studies have found that consulting with registered dietitians or credentialed nutritional counselors can help people lose weight and improve related health outcomes compared with minimal or no intervention.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that adults receiving individualized nutrition care from a dietitian lost more weight and body mass index (BMI)* than those receiving usual care or no intervention. Specifically, intervention groups lost an average of about 1 kg (2.2 pounds) more weight and 0.43 kg/m² more BMI reduction compared to controls.
The following systematic review of 62 randomized controlled trials found that dietitian-led weight management interventions significantly improved percent weight loss (~4% average loss), BMI reduction, waist circumference**, and even blood pressure and quality of life compared with controls.
There is no need for patients to feel confused or intimidated by their diet and weight-loss plan. Evaluation by a dietitian can provide professional guidance and individualized recommendations for a successful weight-loss journey.
Terminology:
* Body Mass Index - Obesity can be diagnosed by body mass index, abbreviated BMI. For most people, BMI is a reasonable estimate of body fat, calculated using height and weight. However, BMI may not be a good estimate for muscular athletes, in which the BMI is elevated in the obesity range but does not have excess body fat. There are many BMI calculators online that can calculate one's BMI. The basic calculation is multiplying one's weight in pounds by 703, then dividing by one's height in inches, and then dividing by it again.
General guidelines for BMI:
Obesity: 30 - 39.9
Severe obesity: 40 and higher
**Waist circumference - There are two types of fat distribution: subcutaneous and visceral. Subcutaneous fat lies just beneath the skin and is visible in the hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, and face. Visceral fat lies within the abdomen and pads the spaces between the organs. Visceral fat is the most concerning type of weight gain because high amounts of visceral fat are strongly associated with high blood pressure, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, heart disease, and stroke. Clinicians estimate patients' risk by measuring waist circumference. Weight-related health problems are more common in men with a waist circumference over 40 inches and in women with a waist circumference over 35 inches.
References:
Williams LT, Barnes K, Ball L, Ross LJ, Sladdin I, Mitchell LJ. How Effective Are Dietitians in Weight Management? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Healthcare (Basel). 2019 Feb 1;7(1):20. doi: 10.3390/healthcare7010020. PMID: 30717197; PMCID: PMC6473916.
Maria Morgan-Bathke, PhD, MBA, RD, CD, FAND et al. Weight Management Interventions Provided by a Dietitian for Adults with Overweight or Obesity: An Evidence Analysis Center Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Volume 123, Issue 11, November 2023, Pages 1621-1661.e25.
