According to an analysis that pooled the results of three large, long-term weight loss trials, implementing positive dietary changes was associated with meaningful health benefits even in people who didn’t lose weight.
The pooled analysis of over 700 participants looked at the impact of following a reduced-calorie healthy dietary pattern on cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood pressure, blood sugar control, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and blood biomarkers of inflammation.
Successful weight loss was associated with the greatest improvement in cardiometabolic health metrics, but, even in people who did not lose weight, following the prescribed healthy dietary pattern was associated with higher HDL (“good”) cholesterol, lower visceral fat, and more favorable levels of “hunger hormones.”
Additionally, researchers identified specific patterns in participants’ gene expression that may predict an individual’s likelihood of achieving successful weight loss through lifestyle changes. So, if you always thought weight loss was harder for you than other people, you could be right, but healthy food choices may still benefit your health.