Weighing The Evidence On Weight Loss - What Works? Canada

Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Article Date: 30 Apr 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Sorting through the diet craze maze is a challenge for most people. Which popular weight loss program works best - low carb/high fat, low fat/high carb, the soup diet, the grapefruit diet - there's no scarcity of choice! Dietitians of Canada sheds light on current evidence related to the effectiveness of weight loss programs in a recent publication titled Weighing the evidence on weight loss approaches in adults. Achieving and maintaining healthy weight is a lifelong affair. There's no magic to weight loss fads and most are only temporarily effective, at best.

Dietitians of Canada reviewed the evidence behind many publicly debated issues related to weight loss such as diet composition (e.g. high protein/low carb diets), the role of exercise, the impact of the environment, and more. "Individual assessment to determine the right balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate, along with vitamins and minerals should be the cornerstone of any lifestyle change, including weight loss," says Joanne Hamilton, registered dietitian and author of this article. "People who want to lose weight need support and encouragement to pursue behaviours linked to long-term weight management. These behaviours include self-monitoring, a regular healthy diet, eating breakfast and commitment to regular physical activity," continues Hamilton.

"Dietitians are an important partner to include on an individual's support team for weight loss, not only as nutrition experts, but also as a coach and counselor," advises Hamilton. To find a Registered Dietitian in your area, visit http://www.dietitians.ca/find. EATracker at http://www.dietitians.ca/eatracker is also a valuable web-based tool for goal setting and self-monitoring.

Dietitians of Canada represents almost 6,000 dietitians across Canada and is committed to promoting the health and well-being of consumers through food and nutrition. For trusted information on nutrition and healthy eating and to register to receive DC's regular nutrition updates, visit Dietitians of Canada award-winning website at http://www.dietitians.ca.

Dietitians of Canada