Science weighs in on which popular weight-loss plans truly work   From Time     Alice Park

 

A new paper in the Annals of Internal Medicine combed through more than 4,200 studies on commercial weight-loss plans andfound that just 45 of them were done under the gold scientific standard of randomly assigning people to a weight-loss program or not and then tracking their weight changes over time. And in those studies, users of only two plans, Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig, were followed for at least a year. So lack of good research is a problem. But for now, here's what rigorous research reveals about five very popular weight=loss plans.

 

1. Weight Watchers   Thes was one of two plans in which dieters were followed for at least a year, according to the paper. Peole who stick to the plan lose about 3% more weight than controld. Experts say there's enough evidence of the effectiveness of this point=based system for doctors to recommend it to overweight or obese patients.

 

2. Jenny Craig   Theonly other plan whose adherents were tracked for more than a year, it helped dieters lose 5% more weight than controls. Other research found the plan helped those with diabetes manage their condition. That's encouraging to doctors, but the progra is costly, with enrollment and monthly fees, and it requires eating branded meals daily.

 

3. Nutrisystem   This system is based on potion control. Useres lost an average of 4% more than controls. None of the studies of this plan extend beyound three months, however, so the diet's long-term effectiveness is not known. Most of those studied were also older than those in trials of other diet programs.

 

4. Low-Fat   After decades of reigning supreme, the low-fat strategy for weight loss is coming under fire. Cutting fat led people to eat more carbs and sugar, which can carse weight gain. While a low-fat diet is still advised to maintain a healthy heart, studies show slashing fat may not be the most efficient way to slim down.

 

5. Low-Carb   Under the flagship of Atkins, these dients cut back on starchy and sugary foods like rice, pasta, and fruit and are more lenient about fats from meat and dairy. Recent studies found that's a good way to lose weight, since cutting carbs meant dieters ate more fiber, which helps people feel fuller on fewer calories.

 

 

CDC Report

 

24 % by which he death rate for Hispanics is lower than that of whites, according to a new CDC report. Agency director Tom Frieden said lower smoking rates help explain the difference.