Mediterranean-style diet matches Weight Watchers for weight loss, improves diet quality

# Editorial Summary

A new study compared Med-South, a Mediterranean-style eating program developed by the University of North Carolina, with the Weight Watchers program over two years. Both programs helped participants lose weight, and researchers reported "no material difference" in weight loss between the two. The one clear difference was diet quality, which improved more in the Med-South group.

Med-South adapts Mediterranean principles to Southern dishes. It emphasizes olive oil, whole fruits and vegetables, fish over red meat, whole grains instead of white bread and rice, and fewer sugar-sweetened beverages. Participants worked with dietitians in three phases: improving food quality, then pursuing weight-loss goals, then maintaining habits. Weight Watchers participants attended workshops and used the app's points-based tracking system.

For readers, the takeaway is that both approaches produced similar weight loss in this study. A Mediterranean-style pattern may offer the added benefit of better overall eating habits, which experts suggest may help people sustain changes. The authors also noted that diet-quality programs could be studied alongside weight-loss medications such as GLP-1s. The best approach is one you can stick with, so consider talking to a doctor or registered dietitian about what fits your needs.