"Studies have shown that even a 5 percent reduction in weight can lead to improved health," said Jacinda M. Nicklas, MD, the lead author of the study by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. A study of more than 4,000 adults found that those eating less fat and exercising more were much more likely to lose weight. Researchers also found a correlation between weight-loss programs and successful weight loss, suggesting that structure was important. In contrast, use of popular diets, weight-loss pills, liquid diets, and the like were not associated with success. "It's very encouraging to find that most of the weight-loss methods associated with success are accessible and inexpensive," said senior author Christina Wee, MD. SOURCE: “More Exercise, Eating Less Fat and Weight Loss Programs Are In, Popular Diets Are Out,” Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 4/10/12