Important Look Ahead trial

   

Quote from the NEJM paper:

"Weight loss was greater in the intervention group than the control group throughout

(8.6% vs. 0.7% at 1 year;
 6.0% vs. 3.5% at study end)."  (2.5% difference)

Below is a quote from the NEJM study supplement:

“ILI participants were given a calorie goal

of 1200-1500 kcal/day for those who weighed less than 114 kg (250 lbs) and

1500 to 1800 kcal/day for those over 114 kg.

They were encouraged to consume

30% of total calories from fat and at least 15% of calories from protein.”

“Meal replacement products were provided at no cost to help participants adhere to their dietary goals.

During weeks 3 to 19 of the program, individuals were encouraged to replace two meals each day with a liquid shake and one snack with a bar.

The other meal (typically dinner) consisted of conventional foods;

fruits and vegetables were added to reach the calorie goal.

From week 20 on, meal replacements were typically used for one meal per day with conventional foods consumed at the other times.”

“To maximize weight loss, a tool box of additional strategies was available for use with participants after month 6 if the individual had not achieved the 10% weight loss. The tool box included orlistat, a weight loss medication. However, since minimal weight loss benefit was observed with orlistat, the use of this medication was discontinued in 2008.”
Many in control group had excellent weight loss link