Research
Energy balance
For weight loss in obese individuals, creating an energy deficit of approximately 500 kcal/day is effective, whereas the specific macronutrient composition (ratios of fat, carbohydrate, and protein) is of secondary importance.
To lose weight, create a daily calorie deficit of about 500 kcal. You do not need to follow a specific diet type (like keto or vegan); focus on eating foods with low energy density (high water/fiber) to stay full. Aim for a loss of 0.5 kg per week over 12-24 weeks.
GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
For obese persons, it is recommended that a diet with an energy deficit of 500 kcal/day and a low energy density should be instituted for the purpose of weight loss and stabilization of a lower weight. The relative proportion of macronutrients is of secondary importance for weight loss.
Why this rating
Based on systematic literature search (4495 abstracts) and consensus of 119 publications, though specific RCT data for macronutrient equivalence varies.
Source
The Prevention and Treatment of Obesity
Alfred Wirth et al. · Deutsches Ärzteblatt international · 2014
DOI 10.3238/arztebl.2014.0705
clinical_guidelineCited 170×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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