Popular dietary approaches for weight loss have generated widespread interest and considerable debate. While energy balance remains the cornerstone of weight control (ie, calories still count), new diets and books promising weight loss by limiting certain foods or macronutrients rather than energy are constantly emerging and hitting the best seller list. Although their names and approaches may change over time, their basic premise has not. They market "success" as a large weight loss over a short period with little effort. Given the allure of a quick fix, overweight and obese individuals are often in search of the next "best" diet. The public's willingness to try diverse and, in some cases, poorly researched dietary approaches underscores their long-standing struggle to control their weight and the need for more effective strategies to help create an energy deficit. To develop more effective strategies, it is important to understand the efficacy, health effects, and long-term sustainability of current dietary approaches to weight control.
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