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A review of the modern “Paleo” diet: Effectiveness for weight loss
Methods: A search of PubMed for studies published in English at any date, was performed using combinations of the following keywords: Paleolithic, Paleo, Diet, Ancestral, Weight Loss, and Obesity. Studies referenced in these articles were also reviewed for relevance. Of the 89 results, 7 were included based on the criteria that they discussed ancestral diets, were clinical or observational studies and tracked weight as an outcome.
Results: Short trials of MPD (3 weeks – 15 months) demonstrated a more significant weight loss effect than every other compared diet. Weight loss up to 11% over 3 months was observed in some individuals. The effectiveness was greater in people who were obese and had markers for other chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Subjects who followed a MPD reported higher level of satiety than other ad libitum diets.
Conclusion: A MPD can be an effective short-term intervention for weight loss in obese individuals with multiple chronic disease risk factors. High levels satiety and a lack of imposed caloric restriction may improve long-term compliance with the diet. Long-term, large studies of a variety of demographics should be performed to better understand the potential for MPD as a weight loss tool.
Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and preventionProvision of health care to the public
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Compare a modern "Paleo" diet with other healthy diets with regards to its efficacy for weight loss in overweight/obese individuals.
Discuss the potential for a modern "Paleo" diet to be used a a weight loss tool for people who are obese and have multiple markers for chronic disease.
Identify future areas of study that might determine whether a modern "Paleo" diet is useful and practical for addressing the current overweight/obesity epidemic.
Keyword(s): Obesity, Nutrition
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a chiropractor in private practice with a focus on lifestyle wellness and health promotion. This research is the culmination of my studies for a Master of Science in human Nutrition and Functional Medicine.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.