OBJECTIVE:To compare the effects of a basic traditional Chinese diet with a Western standard diet on body mass index(BMI),lean body mass(LBD),and eating and hunger behaviours.METHODS:A sample of 284 patients were randomized into 2 groups:group A(n = 142) followed a basic traditional Chinese diet(BCTD) and group B(n =142) followed a Western standard diet(WSD).Both diets were set at approximately 1200 calories.The patients enrolled were compared before treatment and 6 weeks after treatment,and then follow-ups were made at 1 year and 5 years.RESULTS:In the BCTD group,BMI decreased by0.46 kg/m2 and LBM by 0.25 kg,versus respectively0.28 kg/m2 and 0.41 kg in the WSD group.Findings of eating self-assessment,hunger measurement and psychophysical indices of health were also in favour of the BCTD.CONCLUSION:Outcomes show that the BCTD has a better effect on BMI and LBM,as well as over the medium/long term,and provides stronger psychophysical support to obese patients.