Factors that predict weight loss success differ by diet intervention type

Area of Science:

• Obesity research
• Nutritional science
• Metabolic health

Background:

• Diet interventions aim for negative energy balance and weight loss in obesity.
• Significant inter-individual variability exists in weight loss response to dietary strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors predicting weight loss success in obesity.
• To analyze predictors across varying macronutrient and caloric compositions of diets.

Main Methods:

• Participants with obesity (BMI 30.0–49.9 kg/m²) self-selected low carbohydrate (LOW CHO), low fat (LOW FAT), or low calorie (LOW KCAL) diets.
• Multivariable regression models assessed demographic, body composition, metabolic, clinical, and dietary predictors of weight loss.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in average weight loss (-5.1 kg) among diet types over 12-16 weeks.
• Intervention completion was the most robust predictor (20-30% variance), influenced by age, physical activity, leptin, blood pressure, and weight loss amount.
• Diet types showed specific benefits: LOW CHO improved glycemia/insulinemia, LOW FAT improved lipidemia, and LOW KCAL reduced inflammatory factors.

Conclusions:

• Intervention completion is a key factor for weight loss success across different diets.
• Personalized diet approaches considering individual factors can optimize weight loss and cardiometabolic health.
• Specific dietary patterns offer targeted improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors.