Research

Energy balance

A structured primary care intervention combining a phased caloric-restricted diet (initially low-carbohydrate) and progressive aerobic activity, delivered via frequent GP visits, produces statistically significant weight loss (≥5% and ≥10%) compared to usual care in patients with obesity.

If you have obesity, ask your doctor for a structured plan rather than general advice. Look for programs that include frequent check-ins, a written diet guide, and a specific exercise goal. The study showed that a strict 4-week start followed by a balanced diet and daily walking/cycling, managed by your doctor, leads to better weight loss than standard care.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
We conclude that a simple tool with a specific diet and activity plan is feasible in general practice and may produce significant weight loss.
Morten Dag Nilsen et al. · BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health · 2023

Why this rating

Cluster randomized controlled trial, but unblinded and conducted in a single country (Norway) with specific healthcare structures.

Source

Treatment of overweight and obesity in general practice: a cluster randomised trial

Morten Dag Nilsen et al. · BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health · 2023

DOI 10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000721

rct · n=210Cited 4×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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