title: Commercial weight loss diets meet nutrient requirements in free living adults over 8 weeks: a randomised controlled weight loss trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effect of commercial weight loss programmes on macronutrient composition and micronutrient adequacy over a 2 month period.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adults were randomly allocated to follow the Slim Fast Plan, Weight Watchers Pure Points Programme, Dr Atkins' New Diet Revolution, or Rosemary Conley's "Eat Yourself Slim" Diet & Fitness Plan.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multi-centre randomised controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  293 adults, mean age 40.3 years and a mean BMI 31.7 (range 27-38) were allocated to follow one of the four diets or control group. Subjects completed a 7-day food and activity diary at baseline (prior to randomisation) and after 2 months. Diet records were analysed for nutrient composition using WinDiets (research version).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant shift in the macronutrient composition of the diet with concurrent alteration of the micronutrient profile was apparent with all diets. There was no evidence to suggest micronutrient deficiency in subjects on any of the dietary regimens. However, those sub-groups with higher needs for specific micronutrients, such as folate, iron or calcium may benefit from tailored dietary advice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The diets tested all resulted in considerable macronutrient change and resulted in an energy deficit indicating dietary compliance. Health professionals and those working in community and public health should be reassured of the nutritional adequacy of the diets tested.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  NCT00327821.
authors.affiliation: Children's Nutrition Research Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Herston, Qld, Australia 4029. h.truby@uq.edu.au
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Truby
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hiscutt
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Herriot
authors.forename: Manana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stanley
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Delooy
authors.forename: Kenneth R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baic
authors.forename: Paula J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Robson
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Macdonald
authors.forename: Moira A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ware
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Logan
authors.forename: Mbe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Livingstone