BackgroundSome popular weight loss diets restricting carbohydrates (CHO) claim to be more effective, and have additional health benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease compared to balanced weight loss diets.Methods and FindingsWe compared the effects of low CHO and isoenergetic balanced weight loss diets in overweight and obese adults assessed in randomised controlled trials (minimum follow-up of 12 weeks), and summarised the effects on weight, as well as cardiovascular and diabetes risk. Dietary criteria were derived from existing macronutrient recommendations. We searched Medline, EMBASE and CENTRAL (19 March 2014). Analysis was stratified by outcomes at 3–6 months and 1–2 years, and participants with diabetes were analysed separately. We evaluated dietary adherence and used GRADE to assess the quality of evidence. We calculated mean differences (MD) and performed random-effects meta-analysis. Nineteen trials were included (n = 3209); 3 had adequate allocation concealment. In non-diabetic participants, our analysis showed little or no difference in mean weight loss in the two groups at 3–6 months (MD 0.74 kg, 95%CI −1.49 to 0.01 kg; I2 = 53%; n = 1745, 14 trials; moderate quality evidence) and 1–2 years (MD 0.48 kg, 95%CI −1.44 kg to 0.49 kg; I2 = 12%; n = 1025; 7 trials, moderate quality evidence). Furthermore, little or no difference was detected at 3–6 months and 1–2 years for blood pressure, LDL, HDL and total cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose (>914 participants). In diabetic participants, findings showed a similar pattern.ConclusionsTrials show weight loss in the short-term irrespective of whether the diet is low CHO or balanced. There is probably little or no difference in weight loss and changes in cardiovascular risk factors up to two years of follow-up when overweight and obese adults, with or without type 2 diabetes, are randomised to low CHO diets and isoenergetic balanced weight loss diets.

Ready-to-use therapeutic food for home-based treatment of severe acute malnutrition in children from six months to five years of age.

Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) for home-based nutritional rehabilitation of severe acute malnutrition in children from six months to five years of age.

Teach people to think critically about claims and comparisons using these concepts, urge Andrew D. Oxman and an alliance of 24 researchers -they will make better decisions. A child holds a sign protesting against genetically modified crops during a demonstration in Bulgaria.VASSIL DONEV/EPA/SHUTTERSTOCK 1 5 A U G U S T 2 0 1 9 | V O L 5 7 2 | N A T U R E | 3 0 3 COMMENT © 2 0 1 9 S p r i n g e r N a t u r e L i m i t e d . A l l r i g h t s r e s e r v e d .

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To determine the effects of community-level interventions that aim to improve access to nutritious food in LMICs, for both the whole community and for disadvantaged or at-risk individuals or groups within a community, such as infants and children, women, the elderly, the poor, the unemployed, or minority groups. Secondary objectives To determine the features of community-level interventions that enable or impede the effective implementation of these interventions to improve access to food. To identify unintended consequences of interventions to improve access to food. B A C K G R O U N D Description of the condition Food security exists when "all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life" (FAO 2003). When this is not the case, the population is said to be food insecure. Food insecurity and associated undernutrition affect health and socioeconomic development on different levels (Black 2013; Ecker 2012; Victora 2008). For adults it has been associated with increased risk of disability, morbidity and mortality, and with income generating potential (Black 2008, Black 2013, Victora 2008). 1 Community-level interventions for improving access to food in low-and middle-income countries (Protocol)

We were unable to reach firm conclusions. Limited evidence from three trials that randomised children to a lower total fat intake (30% or less TE) versus usual or modified fat intake, but with no intention to reduce weight, showed small reductions in body mass index, total- and LDL-cholesterol at some time points with lower fat intake compared to controls, and no consistent differences in effects on weight, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or height. Associations in cohort studies that related total fat intake to later measures of body fatness in children were inconsistent and the quality of this evidence was mostly very low. Twenty-three out of 24 included studies were conducted in high-income countries, and may not be applicable in low- and middle-income settings. High-quality, longer-term studies are needed, that include low- and middle-income settings and look at both possible benefits and risks.

Low carbohydrate versus balanced carbohydrate diets for reducing weight and cardiovascular risk.