Evidence for Success of Caloric Restriction in Weight Loss and Control: Summary of Data from Industry

Abstract

Data voluntarily supplied by industry were examined to evaluate the success of commercial weight loss programs and products. Information about the safe loss of weight, the maintenance of this lowered weight, and resultant health benefits were reviewed. Information was received from companies that produce over-the-counter preparations designed for persons with a small weight loss goal and from physician-supervised programs for morbidly obese persons placed on very-low-calorie diets. Regardless of the products used, successful weight loss and control was limited and required individualized programs consisting of restricted caloric intake, behavior modification, and exercise. Although some manufacturers of physician-supervised weight loss products for obese persons have defined the effectiveness of their programs with controlled clinical studies, other industry programs have only begun to accurately assess their effectiveness or safety. Given the importance to public health of reducing obesity, rigorous studies on current weight control practices should be pursued aggressively.