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A groundbreaking study from the Stanford Prevention Research Center, School of Medicine, Stanford University, California, has shed light on the vexing issue of weight loss plateaus. The research, led by Matthew J. Landry, reveals that individuals grappling with overweight and obesity may hit a weight loss plateau around the six-month mark of a healthy weight loss diet, with subsequent dietary changes failing to reignite significant weight reduction.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, delved into the efficacy of shifting from a healthy low-carbohydrate (LC) diet to a healthy low-fat (LF) diet, or vice versa, after the initial six months of dieting. It involved 42 participants, predominantly white and from a local community in Palo Alto, California. These individuals were assigned either the LF or LC diet for the first six months, followed by a switch to the alternative diet for the subsequent six months.
Analyzing data from the DIETFITS trial, the researchers compared weight loss trajectories before and after the dietary switch. The primary outcome focused on percent weight change at different intervals throughout the study period.
Results indicated that while participants experienced significant weight loss during the initial phase of the diet, with an average of 7% weight reduction in the first three months, progress slowed notably thereafter. Upon switching diets at the six-month mark, the rate of weight loss further decelerated, with a mere 1% reduction observed between 6 and 9 months.
Interestingly, participants in the LF-first arm maintained consistent weight loss between 6 and 9 months, akin to their progress from 3 to 6 months. However, those in the LC-first arm essentially nullified the weight loss achieved in the initial phase during the subsequent LF phase.
The study also examined biomarkers associated with cardiovascular health and metabolic parameters. It found fluctuations in low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels corresponding to dietary transitions, while insulin levels plateaued following the dietary switch.
Lead researcher Matthew J. Landry emphasized the physiological nature of the weight loss plateau, noting that a mere switch in diet might not suffice to overcome it. He suggests a shift in approach as individuals transition from weight loss to maintenance phases.
Despite its valuable insights, the study acknowledges limitations such as a small sample size and variability among participants. Moreover, self-reported energy intake estimates and the potential impact of physical activity on weight maintenance were recognized as factors affecting the study’s outcomes.
Funded by various entities including the Hass Avocado Board and the National Institutes of Health, the study declares no conflicts of interest.
This research underscores the complexities of weight loss and highlights the need for tailored strategies to navigate through plateaus, offering valuable insights for both individuals and clinicians in the ongoing battle against obesity.
