Response by Dinu et al to Letters Regarding Article, “Low-Calorie Vegetarian Versus Mediterranean Diets for Reducing Body Weight and Improving Cardiovascular Risk Profile: CARDIVEG Study (Cardiovascular Prevention With Vegetarian Diet)”

We read with interest the letters from Koh, Hnid, and Ye et al about our recent publication. 1 Koh emphasized the importance of both diet and exercise for weight loss. We completely agree with this comment, as the additive effect of the combination of diet and exercise in weight loss and weight maintenance has been clearly established. The purpose of our study was only to test the efficacy of 2 dietary profiles without exercise intervention; therefore, our study group was advised not to change their habitual lifestyle profile in terms of quantity and quality of physical activity.