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Diet & Exercise: Best Weight Loss Duo
13 Sep
Summary
- Combined diet and exercise yield the most sustained weight loss over 12 months.
- Low-calorie diets are effective for short-term weight loss within three months.
- Physical activity significantly lowers blood pressure and improves insulin resistance.
The most effective non-drug strategy for sustained weight loss and improved metabolic health involves combining healthy dietary practices with regular physical activity, according to a comprehensive review by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition.
This umbrella review analyzed data from over 112 systematic reviews and 2,332 randomized controlled trials, involving more than 5.07 lakh participants from over 50 countries. Researchers found that while various interventions like low-calorie diets and physical activity alone showed benefits, their combination yielded the most sustained results.
Participants using a combined diet and exercise approach lost an average of 3.68 kg beyond 12 months. This integrated strategy also led to significant improvements in blood sugar control, reducing fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance after 12 months.
Physical activity was identified as the most effective for lowering blood pressure, reducing systolic blood pressure by approximately 6.1 mmHg. Lifestyle interventions, including behavioral counseling and health education, also contributed positively over time, demonstrating the importance of a multifaceted approach to combating obesity and related non-communicable diseases.
