From custom-designed sneakers to tailor-made sunglasses, the trend of personalization is going head-to-toe, and for good reason, making its way to the world of weight loss and wellness.
Specifically, researchers have been studying two converging topics in recent years. One is the importance of body type in determining the combination of fats, carbohydrates and protein that will provide the best results for a given individual. The other is the variability of results associated with a single diet: the idea that if two people start the same diet at the same time, their results could be drastically different.
On top of that, consumer research shows that people overwhelmingly prefer personalized experiences. Sixty percent of consumers agree that personalization is essential to weight loss and overall wellness.
Here’s what to know about why personalized diets are becoming so popular and how to find the right diet for you:
- Importance of body type: The places your body stores excess fat may be the single greatest predictor of health outcomes. This is the concept behind Nutrisystem’s assessment of the four most common body types: “Apple,” “Pear,” “Hourglass” and “Rectangle.”
“We’re going a bit old school here, because these categories have stood the test of time for a reason,” said Courtney McCormick, corporate dietitian at Nutrisystem. “They provide crucial information on how you respond to food intake and can help you to adjust what you eat based on your goals.”
Body type can also influence how macronutrients such as fat, protein and carbs are processed. To fulfill your individual needs, first determine your body type, food preferences and goals, then look for a weight loss plan that takes these important factors into consideration, such as Nutrisystem.
- One size does not fit all: The DIETFITS study, a large, randomized research study comparing low-fat versus low-carb dietary patterns, found no difference in weight loss between them.
But drilling down into the data, one can see great variability. Some dieters gained weight while others lost a lot. But it’s not always about weight outcomes, as recent research has shown that factors such as body shape may play a bigger role in the determinants of health risks than body weight alone.
For instance, a woman who is apple-shaped tends to carry her extra weight in the mid-section. She would see best results on a lower-glycemic nutrition plan that is lower in refined carbs and higher in healthy fats and protein.
“Research shows that one size does not fit all when it comes to weight loss and disease prevention,” McCormick said. “That’s why we’ve created a unique, personalized approach that’s easy to follow and designed to help participants lose weight and get healthy.”
For more insights on how to personalize your diet and maximize results, visit leaf.nutrisystem.com.
