Weight Loss Diets and Programs, Efficacy of

Diet is an important component within the recommended multidisciplinary treatment of obesity, along with physical activity and behavior modification. In some cases, pharmacotherapy and surgery may be called for, but even then diet cannot be ignored. No specific diet is perfect for all individuals. The best predictor of weight loss on any hypocaloric diet is adherence; therefore, factors that will enable the dieter to adhere most closely must be considered in selecting the most appropriate dietary strategy. Any approach should incorporate practices to help promote maintenance of a reduced body weight after the reducing phase is complete. Diets should also help lower risk factors for chronic diseases, for which obese individuals are at increased risk.