Adherence
Group-based support programs (Weight Watchers, Rosemary Conley) may offer better long-term adherence and less weight rebound compared to unsupported programs (Atkins, Slim-Fast) after six months.
If you find it hard to stick to a diet long-term, consider joining a group-based program (like Weight Watchers or a fitness class) rather than a self-managed book or app. The social support may help you avoid the common pattern of regaining weight after the initial 6-month success.
More participants in the unsupported programmes (Atkins diet and Slim-Fast) withdrew than in the supported programmes... Statistical analysis... indicates that weight rebound after the initial six months was higher in the unsupported programmes
Why this rating
Observational analysis of a subset of participants who maintained their allocated diet for 12 months; sample sizes for this subgroup are small.
Source
Randomised controlled trial of four commercial weight loss programmes in the UK: initial findings from the BBC “diet trials”
Helen Truby et al. · BMJ · 2006
DOI 10.1136/bmj.38833.411204.80
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →