Patient freedom to choose a weight loss diet in the treatment of overweight and obesity: a randomized dietary intervention in type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes.

Background Offering the overweight or obese patient the option of choosing from a selection of weight loss diets has not been investigated in type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study was to investigate if the option to choose from, and interchange between a selection of diets ("Choice"), as opposed to being prescribed one set diet ("No Choice"), improves drop out rates and leads to improved weight loss and cardio-metabolic outcomes Methods The study was a 12 month, randomized parallel intervention. A total of 144 volunteers with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes and a BMI >27 were randomized to "No Choice" or "Choice". Those in the No Choice group were placed on a set weight loss diet (CSIRO) with no change permitted. Those in the Choice group could choose from, and interchange between, the CSIRO, South Beach or Mediterranean diets Trial registration anzctr.org.au ACTRN12612000310864. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]