Comparing Weight Loss Diets for Obese Teens
Citation: Influence of weight-loss diets with different macronutrient compositions on health-related quality of life in obese youth. Appetite. 2008 Jul 4; Authors: Yackobovitch-Gavan M, Nagelberg N, Demol S, Phillip M, Shalitin S
This study compared the effects of a variety of weight loss diets on obese teenagers. The diets were distinguished by their overall macronutrient composition, or the percentage of calories derived from any of the three macronutrients: protein, fat, and carbohydrate. Seventy one teens were randomly placed on one of the following diet plans for twelve weeks:
- Low Carb Low Fat
- Low Carb High Fat
- High Carb Low Fat
An interesting aspect of this study was its focus on a factor designated as “health-related quality of life.” This factor focused on the mental health of the teens in the study, including aspects of both psychological and social functioning. Measurements of health-related quality of life were taken before and after the completion of the diet programs in addition to all the standard measures like body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage.
Effectiveness of Teen Weight Loss Diets
All three of the groups benefitted equally from their diets in terms of decreased body mass index and body fat percentage. However, only the groups assigned to low fat weight loss diets reported an improvement in health-related quality of life.
By analyzing the health-related quality of life reported by teens prior to beginning the study, the researchers also found a relationship between the pre-existing psychological functioning of the adolescents and their later success on any of the three weight loss diet programs. Teens who were more psychologically healthy before the study began tended to see greater improvements in body composition.
Teen Weight Loss Diet Conclusions
The researchers therefore conclude that psychosocial functioning is an important consideration in helping obese teens to lose weight. They also concluded that a low fat diet may be important to improving quality of life factors in this group.
Related weight loss diet research
Low Calorie Weight Loss Diet, Low Carbohydrate Weight Loss Diet, Low Fat Weight Loss Diet • July 2008