The point of linking (2) was to provide a meta-analysis of many studies, and to reduce the specific weighting of individual outliers. There were plenty of outli

The point of linking (2) was to provide a meta-analysis of many studies, and to reduce the specific weighting of individual outliers. There were plenty of outliers in the other direction. Measuring after 12 weeks isn't really useful - what matters is long-term outcomes and sustainability - and honestly I don't know that postmenopausal women are entirely representative. The meta-analysis is clear, the longer you wait to follow up the worse the numbers get. > The achievement after 2 years may appear small, averaging 1.64 kg or 1.24 kg m−2 loss of body weight after a combination of dietary changes and increased physical activity. [2] The meta-analysis only included overweight or obese participants, so BMI 25+ or 30+. That's a total body weight change of less than 5%, after 2 years. Even cherry-picking on 6 year study showed a 5% drop in weight, for obese people who need to lose 20 or 30% to return to a normal weight. The important take-aways here are that studies only look good until you follow up on the participants (12 weeks is not useful) - and that statistical significance isn't practical significance. 3lbs of total weight loss after 2 years is good, of course, but it's an umbrella in a hurricane.