Adherence
Receiving one's preferred diet (low-carbohydrate or low-fat) in a weight loss trial is associated with significantly less weight loss compared to not receiving the preferred diet or having no strong preference.
Do not choose a diet based on what you think you 'prefer' or what tastes best. This study found that people who got their preferred diet lost less weight than those who didn't. If you are flexible and willing to try different approaches, you may achieve better results than if you rigidly stick to a diet you prefer. Focus on adherence and caloric deficit rather than preference.
Participants who received their preference lost less weight (−7.7 kg, 95% confidence interval (CI): −9.3 to −6.1) than participants who did not receive their preference (−9.7 kg, 95% CI: −11.4 to −8.1) and participants who did not report a strong preference at baseline (−11.2 kg, 95% CI: −12.6 to −9.7)
Why this rating
Large sample size (N=250), long duration (2 years), randomized controlled design, but secondary analysis of preference.
Source
Relationship Between Treatment Preference and Weight Loss in the Context of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Kelley E. Borradaile et al. · Obesity · 2011
DOI 10.1038/oby.2011.216
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