Greater weight loss was reported in studies with higher baseline weights , smaller proportions of female participants , older participants , or longer duration s , and in studies in which weight loss was a goal .
The prescription of vegetarian diets  reduces mean body weight , suggesting potential value for prevention and management of weight-related conditions
In observational studies , vegetarians generally have lower body weights compared with omnivores .
However , weight changes that occur when vegetarian diets are prescribed have not been well quantified .
We estimated the effect on body weight when vegetarian diets are prescribed .
Eight-Year Weight Losses with an Intensive Lifestyle Intervention: The Look AHEAD Study
Objective To evaluate 8-year weight losses achieved with intensive lifestyle intervention ( ILI ) in the Look AHEAD ( Action for Health in Diabetes ) study . Design and Methods Look AHEAD assessed the effects of intentional weight loss on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in 5,145 overweight/obese adults with type 2 diabetes , r and omly assigned to ILI or usual care ( i.e. , diabetes support and education [ DSE ] ) .  The ILI provided comprehensive behavioral weight loss counseling over 8 years ; DSE participants received periodic group education only . Results All participants had the opportunity to complete 8 years of intervention before Look AHEAD was halted in September 2012 ; ≥88 % of both groups completed the 8-year outcomes assessment . ILI  and DSE participants  lost ( mean±SE ) 4.7±0.2 % and 2.1±0.2 % of initial weight , respectively ( p<0.001 ) at year 8 ; 50.3 % and 35.7 % , respectively , lost ≥5 % ( p<0.001 ) , and 26.9 % and 17.2 % , respectively , lost ≥10 % ( p<0.001 ) . Across the 8 years ILI participants , compared with DSE , reported greater practice of several key weight-control behaviors . These behaviors also distinguished ILI participants who lost ≥10 % and kept it off from those who lost but regained . Conclusions Look AHEAD ’s ILI produced clinical ly meaningful weight loss ( ≥5 % ) at year 8 in 50 % of patients with type 2 diabetes and can be used to manage other obesity-related co-morbid conditions . Trial Registration clinical trials.gov Identifier :
Greater weight loss was reported in studies with higher baseline weights , smaller proportions of female participants , older participants , or longer duration s , and in studies in which weight loss was a goal .
The prescription of vegetarian diets  reduces mean body weight , suggesting potential value for prevention and management of weight-related conditions
In observational studies , vegetarians generally have lower body weights compared with omnivores .
However , weight changes that occur when vegetarian diets are prescribed have not been well quantified .
We estimated the effect on body weight when vegetarian diets are prescribed .