The best way to combat obesity

Researchers at the University of Oxford found that people eating the meal replacement diet lost three times more weight than those on a conventional diet. Also, the risks of developing heart disease and suffering from type 2 diabetes are reduced. But experts pointed out that this diet would only work if people change their eating habits for good. * Professor Paul Aveyard, author of the study, GP and professor of behavioral medicine at the University of Oxford, said losing weight and keeping it off is difficult, but not impossible. “It is boring to be on a normal diet and people struggle to maintain it for a year,” he said. “But these programs (meal replacement diet) catch you when your mental strength is at its highest. “You have to concentrate the effort in 12 weeks and because you eat very little, they lose a lot of weight quickly.” Meal replacement programs are designed for obese or severely obese people, with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30, who have not been able to lose weight despite changes in their** diet** and lifestyle. Currently, they are only available privately in the UK, although NHS England has said it is considering the diets as part of a long-term plan. This meal replacement program reduces daily calorie intake by replacing meals with specially formulated beverages, soups, and snacks. Milk, water and fiber supplements are also taken. A typical daily intake could include: A mixture of chocolate-flavored lactose-free milk and soy protein shake (145 kcal) Lactose-free milk and soy protein soup mix with chicken and mushroom flavor (138 kcal) Lactose-free milk and whole grain mix (149 kcal) Lemon Flavored Soy Milk Protein Bar Topped with Yogurt (150kcal)

Results of following the diet

In this study of 278 people from 10 GP practices in Oxfordshire, half followed the Cambridge Weight Plan program for eight weeks, limiting calorie consumption to 810 per day and then gradually reintroduced other foods over the next four weeks. They were also seeing a nutriologist every seven days for 24 weeks in total, this to help them maintain the diet and maintain the weight lost. While the other half of the participants received conventional weight management advice and support. At each stage of the study, people who followed the Cambridge Weight Plan program lost more weight. After a year, they had lost on average the first 9 pounds (10.7 kg) compared to the other conventional diet group who lost “half a stone” (3.1 kg). When their blood pressure and cholesterol were measured, there were also notable improvements. Those with type 2 diabetes were able to radically reduce their medication, although the study found no evidence that their condition was reversed.

‘This diet has the potential to grow’

One in four adults in the UK are obese and the number of people being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is** increasing.** Last year, a study of patients with type 2 diabetes who were given a low-calorie diet based on shakes and soups found that half were able to lose enough weight to reverse the disease. It is often said that losing weight quickly on these types of programs can lead to a rebound effect, but researchers said the study showed this** was not the case.** Professor Aveyard said the program was an “effective intervention that GPs can confidently recommend, knowing it leads to sustainable weight loss and reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes.” Dr Barbara McGowan, a member of the Society for Endocrinology, consultant endocrinologist and leader of medical obesity services at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, said: “It has the potential to be scaled up across the NHS if it is considered cost-effective as a treatment for obesity.” * Dr Katarina Kos, senior lecturer in diabetes and obesity at the University of Exeter Medical School, said people should not try one of these diets on their own, without any support. “Of course, losing weight is good if you are overweight, but research indicates that the only way to do this is if you use the program as a means to future change, as a springboard to changing eating habits for good,” he said. ‘Stay fit and healthy’** If you want more information on nutrition and health topics, or need advice to find the healthiest eating plan to help you lose weight, click here. If you want to read the original BBC article, just CLICK HERE