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Weight-loss diets

Dietary strategies for weight loss. The two best-supported methods are sustained calorie restriction and the ketogenic diet.
Category
Scientific evidence
Low-moderate
Number of findings
1
Sources
Our own summaries · Cited studies

In practice

The two most effective approaches: calorie restriction (a moderate, sustained deficit; it is the real driver of fat loss and the approach with the most accumulated evidence) and the ketogenic diet (very low in carbohydrates; it usually produces faster loss at first, but is harder to maintain). Over the long term, with calories matched, results tend to converge: what matters most is adherence, so choose the one you can sustain.

Effect by goal · level of evidence

Gallstones (cholelithiasis) in women

association Low-moderate study (AA)

Prospective study (4,730 women, ~10 years): prolonged fasting periods and weight-loss diets were linked to more hospitalizations for gallstones. Observational: association, causation not proven.

View the study (study) →

In depth

Diet · Highest evidence: Low-moderate · 1 finding

The two best-supported methods for weight loss are sustained calorie restriction —the calorie deficit is the real driver of fat loss— and the ketogenic diet, which usually produces faster loss at first. Over the long term, with calories matched, results tend to converge: what matters most is being able to maintain the diet over time.

Findings

  • Gallstones (cholelithiasis) in women — association (Low-moderate, study). Prospective study (4,730 women, ~10 years): prolonged fasting periods and weight-loss diets were associated with more hospitalizations for gallstones. Observational: association, not proven cause. 1647144

Information, not medical advice. Prescription drugs require a doctor.

Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.

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