期刊介绍：

This work was selected as an Editor’s Choice due to both its high quality and its timeliness. We all know of friends and colleagues who repeatedly diet; the loss of weight is not easy and keeping it off seems to be more challenging. The repetitions of losing weight and then regaining it have jokingly been referred to as ‘the rhythm method of girth control!’ The review only included those that were successful, defined as losing ≥5% body weight and maintaining the weight for at least a year. The subjects (adults aged 18-65 years) had to have been consuming at least 1200 and 1500 kcal/day for women and men, respectively. Most of the 48 studies were from the USA and remarkably none were from Canada. The most common elements in success were behavioural training (92%), inclusion of exercise (88%), reducing fat intake (60%), and increasing fibre intake (21%). Serum lipids other than HDL cholesterol commonly improved. While many of our readers may not be surprised at the findings, the review article is a very important verification of previous knowledge particularly in light of the popularity in the development of novel diets. It seems that every week there is a new diet (and a book) that claims incredible success and condemns one food while praising another one. Professionals will find that this review is important tool for countering the urban myths associated with yet another magical diet.