Discover the simple secret to effective weight loss

A new clinical trial published in the journal Nature Medicine found that focusing on a food group that is known to be healthy can help you lose twice as much weight as consuming the opposite food group.

Scientists at University College London and University College London Hospital (UK) conducted a study to compare the effects of minimally processed foods and ultra-processed foods on weight loss.

The average weight loss in the group on the minimally processed diet was twice as high as that in the group on the ultra-processed diet.

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The 55 adults in the study were divided into two groups. One group started with an eight-week minimally processed diet (e.g., soaked oats, homemade pasta), then took a four-week break and switched to an ultra-processed diet (e.g., granola bars, instant noodles). The other group followed the reverse order.

Both diets were designed according to the UK healthy eating guidelines, ensuring adequate intake of fat, protein, carbohydrates, fibre and vegetables.

Results showed that after eight weeks, both diets resulted in weight loss. However, the average weight loss in the group following the minimally processed diet was twice as high as that of the group following the ultra-processed diet, according to News Medical.

This difference corresponded to an energy deficit of approximately 290 kcal/day in the minimally processed group and 120 kcal/day in the ultra-processed group.

Weight loss came primarily from fat and water, with no effect on muscle mass, suggesting improvements in body composition in the low-processing group.

In addition, compared to the ultra-processed diet, the minimally processed diet significantly improved appetite control: Overall cravings were twice as low, cravings for salty foods were four times lower, and cravings for favorite foods were nearly twice as high. Notably, weight loss typically increases appetite, but this did not happen in the minimally processed group, according to News Medical.

These findings suggest that less processed foods, when aligned with nutritional guidelines, offer greater benefits for weight control and health, according to the study authors.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phat-hien-bi-quyet-don-gian-giup-giam-can-hieu-qua-185250816231236641.htm