Is Diet Quality More Important For Weight Loss Than Counting Calories?

Recent research shows that diet quality may help improve overall health more than just counting calories. fcafotodigital · E+/Getty A two-year study found that a Mediterranean-style diet and a calorie-focused weight loss program led to similar amounts of weight loss. People following the Mediterranean-style diet saw greater improvements in diet quality and were more likely to say they would recommend the program. Experts say calorie balance remains important for weight loss, while choosing higher-quality foods can provide additional benefits for overall health. A two-year study tested a Mediterranean-style diet adapted for the Southern U.S. (Med-South) against a calorie-focused program. While both groups lost a similar amount of weight, the Med-South group saw a greater improvement in overall diet quality. The study, recently published in JAMA Network Open, highlights how different approaches to weight loss may affect diet quality and long-term adherence. Mediterranean diet vs. calorie counting for weight loss The study followed 360 individuals from North Carolina primary care practices who had a BMI of 30 or greater and an average age of 55. Most participants also had multiple ch…

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