Diet-exercise combo most effective for lasting weight loss: ICMR-NIN
A major review by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition concludes that combining healthy diet and physical activity is the most effective non-drug strategy for weight loss. The study analyzed data from over 50 countries and found that while diet aids short-term weight loss, combined lifestyle interventions provide the most sustained metabolic health benefits.
Why it matters
This provides evidence-based guidance for public health policies addressing the global obesity epidemic and metabolic disease management.
Combining healthy dietary practices with regular physical activity is the most effective non-drug strategy for achieving sustained weight loss and improving key metabolic health indicators among adults with overweight or obesity, according to a major review by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) here.
The findings, published in the international journal Obesity Pillars , are based on an umbrella review that analysed evidence from 112 systematic reviews and meta-analyses covering 2,332 randomised controlled trials and more than 5.07 lakh participant observations across over 50 countries.
The review, led by ICMR-NIN scientists Mahesh Kumar Mummadi and Samarasimha Reddy, compared the impact of dietary interventions, physical activity, lifestyle changes and combined approaches on weight management and cardiometabolic health.
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