A two-year study found that a Mediterranean-style diet and a calorie-focused program resulted in similar weight loss, though diet quality differed between the groups.
Key facts
- •The study followed 360 participants with an average age of 55 and a BMI of 30 or greater.
- •Participants were split into two groups: 182 in the Mediterranean-style diet group and 178 in the control group.
- •Weight loss was nearly identical, with the Mediterranean group losing 3.4% and the control group losing 3.5%.
- •95% of the Mediterranean-style group would recommend their program, compared to 68% of the control group.
- •The study was published in the journal JAMA Network Open.
A two-year study published in JAMA Network Open compared a Mediterranean-style diet adapted for the Southern U.S. against a calorie-focused WeightWatchers program. Researchers followed 360 participants with a BMI of 30 or greater, finding that both groups achieved similar weight loss results over the 24-month period.
By the numbers
Study Methodology and Results
The study involved 360 individuals from North Carolina primary care practices with an average age of 55. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Mediterranean-style diet group, which emphasized healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, or a control group using the WeightWatchers program, which focused on calorie reduction. At the end of the 24-month study, the Mediterranean-style group lost an average of 3.4% of their body weight, while the control group lost 3.5%.
Diet Quality and Participant Satisfaction
While weight loss outcomes were similar, the Mediterranean-style group showed significantly greater improvements in overall diet quality, including higher consumption of nuts, vegetable oils, whole grains, non-starchy vegetables, and fruit. Additionally, 95% of participants in the Mediterranean-style group said they would recommend the program, compared to 68% of those in the control group. Researchers noted no significant differences between the groups regarding outcomes such as blood pressure.
Expert Perspectives on Weight Loss
Experts emphasize that while calorie balance remains a fundamental factor in weight loss, food quality is significant for long-term health. Christopher Gardner, a professor of medicine at Stanford, noted that while weight loss can occur through calorie restriction alone, choosing higher-quality foods supports better metabolic health. Dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick added that focusing on quality over quantity may help with long-term sustainability and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Timeline
- 4 monthsResearchers conducted the first assessment of participants.
- 12 monthsResearchers conducted the second assessment of participants.
- 24 monthsThe study concluded with final assessments of weight loss and health outcomes.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Healthline.
