New Analysis Compares Sustainable Diet Habit Results to Those of GLP-1s

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A new analysis of various diet habits suggests that sustainable habits, such as calorie counting, are viable options for people who can’t use GLP-1s for weight loss.¹ Some of the data even suggests that using these habits may result in faster weight loss.

Digital Wellness used de-identified user data from the Mayo Clinic Diet, which showed that dieters in the program lost up to 13% of their weight in the first six months. During this same time period, people using GLP-1s lost about 2.3% of their body weight. The analysis also showed dieters that used sustainable weight loss methods typically kept the weight off for at least a year.

In a press release, medical editor of The Mayo Clinic Diet Dr. Donald Hensrud, MD, MS, said, “Early weight loss may be a signal that you can be successful with lifestyle alone. Adults who do not want or cannot tolerate weight-loss medications can achieve significant results from a healthy weight loss program."

Lead dietitian for The Mayo Clinic Diet Tara Schmidt added, “Practicing healthy habits is not about perfection. Responders didn't completely avoid sugar or alcohol, for example—they just practiced these habits more consistently than other members." Schmidt is also host of the Mayo Clinic on Nutrition podcast and co-author of The Mayo Clinic Diet: Weight-Loss Medications Edition.

The habits detailed in the analysis that led to sustainable weight loss were using a trusted diet plan, tracking food and drinks regularly, being mindful of sugar and alcohol consumption, regularly eating fruits and vegetables, and avoiding dining out too often.

The Mayo Clinic Diet isn’t against the use of weight loss medications, however. In January of this year, it announced the launching of a clinical weight loss solution that would provide patients with opportunities for virtual visits with board-certified doctors who could potentially provide access to weight loss medications.²

In a press release issued at the time, medical advisor to the Mayo Clinic Diet Andres J. Acosta, MD, PhD, said, “With this new program, Mayo Clinic Diet is now offering a complete clinical weight management solution. It provides valuable clinical support to ensure that patients use weight-loss medications effectively so they have every opportunity for weight-loss success.

Acosta continued, “Mayo Clinic Diet now offers three specially curated programs. Our flagship award-winning online diet program, an Rx companion program for those members currently using weight-loss medication, and the Medical Weight Loss Rx program launching today for new members looking for weight loss medication options."

The Mayo Clinic Diet previously discussed an Rx companion program in November of last year.³ At the time, Acosta said, “Weight loss medications can be a good tool for weight loss, but should be accompanied with lifestyle and diet behavior change programs like the Mayo Clinic Diet. Lifestyle changes are essential to prevent regain when weight-loss medications are discontinued. All of the breakthrough weight-loss medications available today were evaluated in studies that had important lifestyle components."

Sources

1. Mayo Clinic Diet Responders Achieve Up to 13% Body Weight Loss in 6 Months, Surpassing Results of GLP-1 Medications. Mayo Clinic Diet. October 8, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mayo-clinic-diet-responders-achieve-up-to-13-body-weight-loss-in-6-months-surpassing-results-of-glp-1-medications-302270399.html
2. Mayo Clinic Diet Announces the Beta Launch of Mayo Clinic Diet Medical Weight Loss Rx Program. Mayo Clinic Diet. January 16, 2024. Accessed October 8, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mayo-clinic-diet-announces-the-beta-launch-of-mayo-clinic-diet-medical-weight-loss-rx-program-302035124.html
3. Mayo Clinic Diet Launches Rx Companion Program. Mayo Clinic Diet. November 15, 2023. Accessed October 8, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mayo-clinic-diet-launches-rx-companion-program-301988779.html