Energy balance
Long-term energy-restricted diets for obesity result in modest, heterogeneous weight loss (approx. 3.5-4.5% at 3-4 years) with high rates of weight regain, driven by biological compensatory mechanisms.
Expect modest long-term weight loss (3-5%) rather than dramatic results. Most people will regain some weight due to biological drives (hunger, lower metabolism). Success requires accepting that maintenance is an active, ongoing biological challenge, not just a one-time diet. Focus on strategies to manage hunger and metabolic adaptation rather than expecting permanent loss from the initial diet alone.
Weighted mean weight loss after 3 years follow-up was 3.5%... and after 4 years follow-up 4.5%... Weight regain was observed in the majority of individuals in all studies.
Why this rating
Meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials with >6,000 participants, though limited by loss to follow-up.
Source
The long‐term effect of energy restricted diets for treating obesity
Mirjam Langeveld et al. · Obesity · 2015
DOI 10.1002/oby.21146
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