Table. 1.

Diet strategies for long-term weight management

Type Brief description
Low-calorie diet

Energy deficit of 500–1,000 kcal per day6,35)

Fundamental for weight loss and maintenance

Maximal weight loss may be achieved within the first 6 months, followed by a gradual decline in effectiveness thereafter35)

Low-carbohydrate diet

Consumption of carbohydrates as <45% of daily calories (typically 40%–45%)

May be effective for initial weight loss, but long-term results are comparable to those of a low-fat diet41)

Low-fat diet

Consumption of fat as <15%–20% of daily calories, especially saturated fatty acids as <7%–10%42)

Long-term results are not superior to those of other diets43)

High-protein diet

Consumption of protein as >25% (typically 25%–30%) or >1–1.2 g/kg of ideal body weight46)

Effective for weight maintenance compared to diets with other macronutrient content, but the difference is small47)

Mediterranean diet

High consumption of fruits and vegetables, poultry, fish, dairy products, and monounsaturated fats, with little to no consumption of red meat48)

Beneficial in cardiometabolic health51)

Korean J Fam Pract 2023;13:128~137 https://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2023.13.3.128
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