Which Diet is Best?
Reported December 27, 2004
BOSTON (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) — Atkins, The Zone, Weight Watchers and The Ornish Diet. Chances are you’ve probably tried one of these popular diets. But are they really good for you? And are all fad diets created equal? One doctor who says yes.
Internist Michael Dansinger, M.D., could probably fill an entire library with the diet books on his shelf.
“Having a variety of options is almost always better than having just one approach,” he says.
But all those options can leave some confused. So, Dr. Dansinger, of Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston, conducted a study to test four popular diets. He found, after one year, patients on each of the diets lost about the same amount of weight. “The different popular diets we tried are potent weapons in the fight against obesity.”
He says follow the diet that works best for you. Try the Atkins if you like meat, want quick results, and don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. But, be ready to give up a lot — he say’s it’s the most extreme low-carbohydrate approach.
The Zone diet works if you want a more balanced approach. You’ll have to like fruits and veggies because more than half of your daily intake will come from them. The drawback?
“It requires a little bit more cooking and effort,” Dr. Dansinger says.
And try Weight Watchers if you like a variety of foods. There are no restrictions on what you can eat. But, fewer calories means you’ll need willpower.
Dr. Dansinger says The Ornish Diet is great if you’re a vegetarian, and it offers rapid results. “They put a lot of effort into it, but they get a lot of benefit quickly,” he says.
Dr. Dansinger tried all four diets. He says, “The key to success is sticking with the plan, regardless of which plan it is.” And if his research holds true, you can’t go wrong no matter which you choose.
Dr. Dansinger’s study also showed participants on all four diets reduced their heart attack risk factors. Participants were given the diet books and attended educational classes during the course of the year. He says he doesn’t have a favorite diet because they each serve their purpose well.
If you would like more information, please contact:
Melissa McPherson
Tufts-New England Medical Center
750 Washington St.
Box 294
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 636-0200