[vonmoltke]

> 2) Giant meta study of long term weight loss: ["Five years after completing structured weight-loss programs, the average individual maintained a weight loss of >3% of initial body weight."](http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/74/5/579.full)

I think you misread the results of that study. It's countering your point, and demonstrating that the structure and initial success of the diet affects the long-term success of the weight loss.

[cm2012]

The average weight loss was still averaging 3% - basically nothing for an obese person.