The fad diets often have confounding and conflicting recommendations and this makes it
difficult to arrive at healthy approach for weight loss. The present study compares the effect of
Zone diet and balanced diet on weight loss, body composition and some relevant biochemical
parameters in the weight loss program of young Indian women. The study was conducted in
fitness centers in Bangalore and involved the participation of 150 obese women aged 25-35 years
who were selected out of 240 subjects screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The
150 subjects were assigned to control (n=50, no dietary intervention), Zone diet (n=50, dietary
intervention with individualized Zone diet plan and booklet) and balanced diet (n=50, dietary
intervention with individualized balanced diet plan and booklet) groups. All the subjects were
asked to attend Zumba fitness classes thrice a week and aerobics classes twice a week for a
duration of 12 weeks. Significant weight loss was observed in all the three groups post 12 weeks.
Apart from the weight loss, Zone diet groups had additional advantages such as, significant
reduction pertaining to body fat percentage, visceral fat and metabolic age of the subjects. The
balanced diet with high fibre content had an edge over Zone diet since there was additional
improvement in biochemical parameters namely, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, serum
creatinine and uric acid post assessment. The present study showed both diets to be equally
effective in their ability in reducing the body weight and improving the body composition.
However as far as effect on biochemical parameters, complexity of planning and adherence to
the diets is considered it was found that balanced diet will be a better option as a dietary
intervention. Hence it can be concluded that dietary intervention based on balanced diet along
with regular exercise schedule instead of fad diets can be promoted