The diet that beats Weight Watchers in the long term: study

Key Points:

• A new study compared the Mediterranean diet-based Med-South program with Weight Watchers and found both helped people lose weight with no significant difference in weight loss between them, but Med-South improved overall diet quality more.
• The Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole foods like olive oil, fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, nuts, and less refined carbs, which research suggests supports sustainable healthy eating and long-term weight management.
• Med-South participants received personalized counseling in phases focusing on improving food quality, setting weight loss goals, and maintaining habits, while Weight Watchers used workshops and a digital points tracking system for food and activity.
• Given the high prevalence of obesity and related chronic diseases in the U.S., experts highlight that improving diet quality through programs like Med-South can enhance quality of life and address underlying health issues beyond just weight loss.
• Researchers suggest combining lifestyle programs focusing on diet quality with weight loss medications or surgery may improve treatment outcomes and reduce weight regain after stopping medications.