Weight Loss Disappoints in Study of Diabetics

A study of diabetics has been stopped early because an intensive diet and exercise program did not reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke. Adults with type 2 diabetes have twice the risk of these problems as other adults. The study included 5,145 overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes. They were randomly divided into 2 groups. One group followed a strict diet. People were limited to 1,200 to 1,800 calories a day. They also did 175 minutes a week of moderate exercise. The other group just received general diabetes education and support. People in the first group lost about 10% of their weight at first. They kept off about 5% for at least 4 years. Other research has shown that a 5% weight loss can reduce factors that affect heart and stroke risk. People in the second group lost about 1% of their weight. After 11 years, U.S.