Long-term effects of 2 energy-restricted diets differing in glycemic load on dietary adherence, body composition, and metabolism in CALERIE: a 1-y randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: There remains no consensus about the optimal dietary composition for sustained weight loss. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to examine the effects of 2 dietary macronutrient patterns with different glycemic loads on adherence to a prescribed regimen of calorie restriction (CR), weight and fat loss, and related variables. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of diets with a high glycemic load (HG) or a low glycemic load (LG) at 30% CR was conducted in 34 healthy overweight adults with a mean (+/-SD) age of 35 +/- 6 y and body mass index (kg/m(2)) of 27.6 +/- 1.4. All food was provided for 6 mo in diets controlled for confounding variables, and subjects self-administered the plans for 6 additional months. Primary and secondary outcomes included energy intake measured by doubly labeled water, body weight and fatness, hunger, satiety, and resting metabolic rate. RESULTS: All groups consumed significantly less energy during CR than at baseline (P < 0.01), but changes in energy intake, body weight, body fat, and resting metabolic rate did not differ significantly between groups. Both groups ate more energy than provided (eg, 21% and 28% CR at 3 mo and 16% and 17% CR at 6 mo with HG and LG, respectively). Percentage weight change at 12 mo was -8.04 +/- 4.1% in the HG group and -7.81 +/- 5.0% in the LG group. There was no effect of dietary composition on changes in hunger, satiety, or satisfaction with the amount and type of provided food during CR. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide more detailed evidence to suggest that diets differing substantially in glycemic load induce comparable long-term weight loss.     

Lipoprotein responses to weight loss and weight maintenance in high-risk obese subjects

OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in plasma lipids and lipoproteins after 51 months of reduced energy intake and sustained weight loss. METHODS: One-hundred patients were randomized to one of two dietary interventions for 3 months (weight loss period). Groups A and B received an energy-restricted diet plan of 5.2-6.3 MJ/day but group B was further instructed to replace two of three meals with a nutrient-fortified liquid meal replacement (MR). Upon completion of the weight loss period, all patients were given the same instructions regarding energy intake and were advised to use one MR daily. Body weight and 7 day food diaries were measured monthly or bimonthly and blood lipids at baseline, 3, 9 and 51 months. RESULTS: Of the original 100 patients 75 had completed 4 y. Of those 75, 73 had complete lipid records. Baseline body weights of Groups A and B were 90.7+/-14.0 and 91.6+/-9.8 kg, respectively. The percentage change in total cholesterol (%DeltaTC) decreased in a linear fashion with increasing weight loss, when all data was combined, but did not approach statistical significance (P< or =0.26, r=0.02). Further regression analysis found a significant negative linear relationship (P< or =0.0001, r=0.69) between initial total cholesterol (TC) concentrations and %DeltaTC. Hence, data from 27 of the 73 completers who exhibited an elevated serum total cholesterol (> or =6.2 mmol/l) were isolated and analyzed further. Baseline TC was 6.75+/-0.64, 5.85+/-0.63 at 9 months (P<0.05) and 5.76+/-0.52 mmol/l at 51 months (P<0.05). Similar values for VLDL-cholesterol were 1.33+/-0.80, 0.74+/-0.24 and 0.66+/-0.21 mmol/l by 51 months (P<0.05). Weight decreased by 5.2+/-5.1, 7.6+/-4.9 and 6.7+/-4.6% at 3, 9 and 51 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Continuous energy restriction associated with a clinically meaningful weight loss significantly improved the lipid profile of high-risk patients. Similar weight and diet changes occurring in patients with normal plasma cholesterol were either increased or without affect.     

A low-glycemic-load diet improves symptoms in acne vulgaris patients: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Although the pathogenesis of acne is currently unknown, recent epidemiologic studies of non-Westernized populations suggest that dietary factors, including the glycemic load, may be involved. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine whether a low-glycemic-load diet improves acne lesion counts in young males. DESIGN: Forty-three male acne patients aged 15-25 y were recruited for a 12-wk, parallel design, dietary intervention incorporating investigator-blinded dermatology assessments. The experimental treatment was a low-glycemic-load diet composed of 25% energy from protein and 45% from low-glycemic-index carbohydrates. In contrast, the control situation emphasized carbohydrate-dense foods without reference to the glycemic index. Acne lesion counts and severity were assessed during monthly visits, and insulin sensitivity (using the homeostasis model assessment) was measured at baseline and 12 wk. RESULTS: At 12 wk, mean (+/-SEM) total lesion counts had decreased more (P=0.03) in the low-glycemic-load group (-23.5 +/- 3.9) than in the control group (-12.0 +/- 3.5). The experimental diet also resulted in a greater reduction in weight (-2.9 +/- 0.8 compared with 0.5 +/- 0.3 kg; P<0.001) and body mass index (in kg/m(2); -0.92 +/- 0.25 compared with 0.01 +/- 0.11; P=0.001) and a greater improvement in insulin sensitivity (-0.22 +/- 0.12 compared with 0.47 +/- 0.31; P=0.026) than did the control diet. CONCLUSION: The improvement in acne and insulin sensitivity after a low-glycemic-load diet suggests that nutrition-related lifestyle factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of acne. However, further studies are needed to isolate the independent effects of weight loss and dietary intervention and to further elucidate the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms.     

Dietary energy density in the treatment of obesity: a year-long trial comparing 2 weight-loss diets

BACKGROUND: Consuming foods low in energy density (kcal/g) decreases energy intake over several days, but the effectiveness of this strategy for weight loss has not been tested. OBJECTIVE: The effects on weight loss of 2 strategies for reducing the energy density of the diet were compared over 1 y. DESIGN: Obese women (n = 97) were randomly assigned to groups counseled either to reduce their fat intake (RF group) or to reduce their fat intake and increase their intake of water-rich foods, particularly fruit and vegetables (RF+FV group). No goals for energy or fat intake were assigned; the subjects were instructed to eat ad libitum amounts of food while following the principles of their diet. RESULTS: After 1 y, study completers (n = 71) in both groups had significant decreases in body weight (P < 0.0001). Subjects in the RF+FV group, however, had a significantly different pattern of weight loss (P = 0.002) than did subjects in the RF group. After 1 y, the RF+FV group lost 7.9 +/- 0.9 kg and the RF group lost 6.4 +/- 0.9 kg. Analysis of all randomly assigned subjects also showed a different pattern of weight loss between groups (P = 0.021). Diet records indicated that both groups had similar reductions in fat intake. The RF+FV group, however, had a lower dietary energy density than did the RF group (P = 0.019) as the result of consuming a greater weight of food (P = 0.025), especially fruit and vegetables (P = 0.037). The RF+FV group also reported less hunger (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Reducing dietary energy density, particularly by combining increased fruit and vegetable intakes with decreased fat intake, is an effective strategy for managing body weight while controlling hunger.     

Total cardiovascular risk profile of Taiwanese vegetarians

BACKGROUND: Although the health benefits of vegetarian diets have been well documented among Western population, there are geographic differences of vegetarian diets and the health benefits of the Taiwanese vegetarian diet have not been studied extensively. In addition to conventional risk factors, homocysteine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels have been found to predict first atherothrombotic events. We undertook this study to examine the total risk profile of Taiwanese vegetarians. METHODS: A total of 198 healthy subjects (99 vegetarians and 99 omnivores) were recruited. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), white blood cell count, hs-CRP and homocysteine. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age, body mass index, blood glucose, white blood cell count, triglyceride and HDL-C between the two groups. The vegetarian group had significantly more females (65.7 vs 46.5%); lower body weight (58.66+/-11.13 vs 62.88+/-12.24 kg); shorter height (159.14+/-7.88 vs 162.53 +/-8.14 cm); lower total cholesterol (184.74+/-33.23 vs 202.01+/-41.05 mg/dl); and lower LDL-C (119.63+/-31.59 vs 135.89+/-39.50 mg/dl). Hs-CRP was significantly lower (0.14+/-0.23 vs 0.23+/-0.44 mg/dl, P=0.025), whereas homocysteine was significantly higher (10.97+/-6.69 vs 8.44+/-2.50 micromol/l, P=0.001) in vegetarians than omnivores. CONCLUSIONS: Taiwanese vegetarians have lower total cholesterol, LDL-C and hs-CRP levels, and higher homocysteine levels than omnivores. Owing to different predictive value of each risk factor, the Taiwanese vegetarians had a better cardiovascular risk profile than omnivores. Whether the Taiwanese vegetarian diet should be supplemented with vitamin B(12) to lower serum homocysteine level remains to be addressed.     

Carbohydrate-restricted diets high in either monounsaturated fat or protein are equally effective at promoting fat loss and improving blood lipids

BACKGROUND: When substituted for carbohydrate in an energy-reduced diet, dietary protein enhances fat loss in women. It is unknown whether the effect is due to increased protein or reduced carbohydrate. OBJECTIVE: We compared the effects of 2 isocaloric diets that differed in protein and fat content on weight loss, lipids, appetite regulation, and energy expenditure after test meals. DESIGN: This was a parallel, randomized study in which subjects received either a low-fat, high-protein (LF-HP) diet (29 +/- 1% fat, 34 +/- 0.8% protein) or a high-fat, standard-protein (HF-SP) diet (45 +/- 0.6% fat, 18 +/- 0.3% protein) during 12 wk of energy restriction (6 +/- 0.1 MJ/d) and 4 wk of energy balance (7.4 +/- 0.3 MJ/d). Fifty-seven overweight and obese [mean body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 33.8 +/- 0.9] volunteers with insulin concentrations >12 mU/L completed the study. RESULTS: Weight loss (LF-HP group, 9.7 +/- 1.1 kg; HF-SP group, 10.2 +/- 1.4 kg; P = 0.78) and fat loss were not significantly different between diet groups even though the subjects desired less to eat after the LF-HP meal (P = 0.02). The decrease in resting energy expenditure was not significantly different between diet groups (LF-HP, -342 +/- 185 kJ/d; HF-SP, -349 +/- 220 kJ/d). The decrease in the thermic effect of feeding with weight loss was smaller in the LF-HP group than in the HF-SP group (-0.3 +/- 1.0% compared with -3.6 +/- 0.7%; P = 0.014). Glucose and insulin responses to test meals improved after weight loss (P < 0.001) with no significant diet effect. Bone turnover, inflammation, and calcium excretion did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of weight loss and the improvements in insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease risk factors did not differ significantly between the 2 diets, and neither diet had any detrimental effects on bone turnover or renal function.     

Comparison of intensive and moderate individual life-style intervention programs for overweight or obese persons with fasting glucose levels of 95-125 mg/dl in Japan

OBJECTIVES: There are considerable differences in individual health education programs for persons at high risk of type 2 diabetes between ordinary Japanese life-style modification programs and the Diabetes Prevention Program in the US, the former being relatively moderate and the latter more intensive. We therefore compared the effectiveness of intensive and moderate intervention, focusing on the frequency of individual educational classes. METHODS: The subjects were men and women aged 44-69 years living in Nishiaizu town, Fukushima prefecture in Japan. Their fasting plasma glucose concentration was between 95 and 125 mg/dl at health examinations conducted in 2002 or 2003. They also had a body mass index (BMI) of 23.0 or higher, a fasting plasma glucose concentration of 125 mg/dl or lower and a post-load plasma glucose concentration (2 h) of 199 mg/dl or lower in the 2004 survey. We assigned the subjects according to their residences to an intensive life-style intervention group (two education classes per month; n = 11) or a moderate intervention group (one education class per month; n = 14). The main outcome measure was the change in body weight after 6 months of intervention. RESULTS: The loss of body weight was -3.5 kg (P< .0001) in the intensive intervention group and -1.8 kg (P = 0.02) in the moderate group, and the net difference in body weight loss between the groups was -2.0 kg (95% confidence interval -4.0 to -0.05; P = 0.045) after adjustment for age, sex, and baseline body weight. BMI and subcutaneous fat area showed similar results. The post-load plasma glucose concentration (2 h) and other tested values showed no significant net change between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intensive and moderate intervention both reduced body weight in overweight or obese persons at high risk of type 2 diabetes. The intensive intervention, two sessions of individual education classes per month, was significantly more effective than the moderate one for reducing body weight.     

Blood lead levels and bone turnover with weight reduction in women

High bone turnover states are known to raise blood lead levels (BPb). Caloric restriction will increase bone turnover, yet it remains unknown if weight reduction increases BPb due to mobilization of skeletal stores. We measured whole blood Pb levels ((206)Pb) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in 73 women (age 24-75 years; BMI 23- 61 kg/m(2)) before and after 6 months of severe weight loss (S-WL), moderate weight loss (M-WL), or weight maintenance (WM). Baseline BPb levels were relatively low at 0.2-6.0 microg/dl, and directly associated with age (r=0.49, P<0.0001). After severe WL (-37.4+/-9.3 kg, n=17), BPb increased by 2.1+/-3.9 microg/dl (P<0.05), resulting in BPb levels of 1.3-12.5 microg/dl. M-WL (-5.6+/-2.7 kg, n=39) and WM (0.3+/-1.3 kg, n=17) did not result in an increase in BPb levels (0.5+/-3.2 and 0.0+/-0.7 microg/dl, M-WL and WM, respectively). BPb levels increased more with greater WL (r=0.24, P<0.05). Bone turnover markers increased only with severe WL and were directly correlated with WL. At baseline, higher calcium intake was associated with lower BPb (r=-0.273, P<0.02), however, this association was no longer present after 6 months. Severe weight reduction in obese women increases skeletal bone mobilization and BPb, but values remain well below levels defined as Pb overexposure.     

Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, for weight maintenance after conventional dieting: a 1-y study.

BACKGROUND: Long-term maintenance of weight loss remains a therapeutic challenge in obesity treatment. OBJECTIVE: This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed to test the hypothesis that orlistat, a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor, is significantly more effective than a placebo in preventing weight regain. DESIGN: Obese subjects who lost > or = 8% of their initial body weight during a 6-mo lead-in of a prescribed hypoenergetic diet (4180-kJ/d deficit) with no adjunctive pharmacotherapy were randomly assigned to receive placebo, 30 mg orlistat, 60 mg orlistat, or 120 mg orlistat 3 times daily for 1 y in combination with a maintenance diet to help prevent weight regain. Of 1313 recruited subjects [body mass index (in kg/m2): 28-43], 729 subjects lost > or =8% of their initial body weight during the 6-mo weight-loss lead-in period and were enrolled in the double-blind phase. RESULTS: After 1 y, subjects treated with 120 mg orlistat 3 times daily regained less weight than did placebo-treated subjects (32.8 +/- 4.5% compared with 58.7 +/- 5.8% regain of lost weight; P < 0.001). Moreover, more subjects in the 120-mg orlistat group than in the placebo group regained < or = 25% of lost weight (47.5% of subjects compared with 29.9%). In addition, orlistat treatment (120 mg 3 times daily) was associated with significantly greater reductions in total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations than was placebo (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of orlistat during periods of attempted weight maintenance minimizes weight readjustment and facilitates long-term improvement in obesity-related disease risk factors.     

Decreased glucose-induced thermogenesis after weight loss in obese subjects: a predisposing factor for relapse of obesity?

Glucose-induced thermogenesis (GIT) after a 100-g oral glucose load was measured by continuous indirect calorimetry in 32 nondiabetic and diabetic obese subjects and compared to 17 young and 13 middle aged control subjects. The obese subjects were divided into three groups: A (n = 12) normal glucose tolerance, B (n = 13) impaired glucose tolerance, and C (n = 7) diabetics, and were studied before and after a body weight loss ranging from 9.6 to 33.5 kg consecutive to a 4 to 6 months hypocaloric diet. GIT, measured over 3 h and expressed as percentage of the energy content of the load, was significantly reduced in obese groups A and C (6.2 +/- 0.6, and 3.8 +/- 0.7%, respectively) when compared to their age-matched control groups: 8.6 +/- 0.7 (young) and 5.8 +/- 0.3% (middle aged). Obese group B had a GIT of 6.1 +/- 0.6% which was lower than that of the young control group but not different from the middle-aged control group. After weight loss, GIT in the obese was further reduced in groups A and B than before weight loss: ie, 3.4 +/- 0.6 (p less than 0.001), 3.7 +/- 0.5 (p less than 0.01) respectively, whereas in group C, weight loss induced no further diminution in GIT (3.8 +/- 0.6%). These results support the concept of a thermogenic defect after glucose ingestion in obese individuals which is not the consequence of their excess body weight but may be one of the factors favoring the relapse of obesity after weight loss.     

Effect of a weight-loss program on mental stress-induced cardiovascular responses and recovery

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the effect of weight loss on blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate during rest, psychological stress, and recovery after stress. METHODS: Two groups of men completed two mental stress tests 12 wk apart. The control group continued their usual diet, whereas the weight-loss group underwent a dietary weight-loss program in which they were randomized to a high-fruit/vegetable and low-fat dairy diet or a low-fat diet. RESULTS: Fifty-five men with a baseline BP of 125.9 +/- 6.9/83.6 +/- 7.1 mmHg (mean +/- SD) completed the study (weight-loss group, n = 28; control group, n = 27). The weight-loss group lost weight (mean +/- SEM, -4.3 +/- 0.3 versus +0.4 +/- 0.4 kg, P = 0.001) compared with controls and had a significant decrease in resting systolic BP (SBP; -2.0 +/- 1.1% versus +2.0 +/- 1.1%, P < 0.05). There was a greater decrease in SBP (P < 0.05) and pulse rate (P < 0.05) at all time points during the stress test in the weight loss compared with the control group. At week 12, SBP in 23 (82%) subjects in the weight-loss group and 24 (89%) in the control group returned to resting levels, with recovering levels in the weight-loss group returning to resting levels 6.1 +/- 2.6 min earlier than in the control group (P < 0.05). There was an overall greater decrease in diastolic BP (DBP; P < 0.05) and DBP during recovery up to 27 min after stress (P < 0.05) in the high-fruit/vegetable and low-fat dairy diet group (n = 14) compared with the low-fat diet group (n = 14). CONCLUSION: A 5% loss of weight decreased BP during rest and returned SBP to resting levels faster, thus decreasing the period of increased BP as a result of mental stress, which is likely to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in the long term.     

Lipid profile of term infants on exclusive breastfeeding and mixed feeding: a comparative study

OBJECTIVES: To compare the lipid profiles of exclusively breastfed and mixed-fed term healthy infants in the first 6 months of life. DESIGN: Prospective comparative study. SETTING: Study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital. SUBJECTS: Four hundred consecutive term healthy infants, 200 on exclusive breastfeeding (group 1) and 200 receiving mixed feeding (group 2) were recruited at 14 weeks of age. At 6 months, 149 and 150 mother-infant pairs were followed up in groups 1 and 2, respectively. METHODS: Anthropometric measures of the mother and baby were recorded. Serum lipid levels of the mother and babies were determined at 14 weeks. Babies were followed up till 6 months and their lipid levels were determined again at 6 months. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS. RESULTS: Two groups were comparable in birth weight and maternal characteristics (P>0.05). Weight and head circumference were significantly more in the breastfed group at 14 weeks as well as at 6 months (P<0.001). Mean total cholesterol (TC) was 205.27+/-47.31 and 176.55+/-32.01 mg/dl in groups 1 and 2, respectively at 14 weeks (CI=20.77-36.66, P<0.001). At 6 months TC was 192.79+/-40.52 and 161.05+/-22.53 mg/dl in the two groups (CI=24.26-39.22, P<0.001). Change in total cholesterol from 14 weeks to 6 months was also significant in both groups (P<0.001). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides were significantly higher in the breastfed groups at 14 weeks and 6 months. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)/LDL-C significantly improved at 6 months in exclusively breastfed group (P=0.045). A positive correlation was found only at 14 weeks between mother's TC and baby's TC (r=0.332), mother's LDL-C with baby's LDL-C (r=0.223) in mixed fed group. CONCLUSION: Breastfed babies have significantly higher TC and LDL-C compared to mixed fed babies in the first 6 months of life with improving HDL-C/LDL-C ratio at 6 months. SPONSORSHIP: None.     

Differences in glycaemic status do not predict weight loss in response to hypocaloric diets in obese patients

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to detect differences in weigth loss with a hypocaloric diet in obese patients depending on their glycaemic status. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A population of 76 obesity outpatients was analysed in a prospective way. The following variables were specifically recorded at basal time and after 3 months of hypocaloric diet (1200 kcal/day): weight, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio. Basal glucose, insulin, fibrinogen, cortisol, c-reactive protein, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides blood levels were measured. HOMA was calculated. An indirect calorimetry, tetrapolar electrical bioimpedance and a serial assessment of nutritional intake with 3 days written food records were performed. RESULTS: The mean age was 46.9 +/- 17.1 years and the mean BMI 34.6 +/- 5.3. All subjects were weight stable during the 2 weeks period preceding the study (body weight change, 0.3 +/- 0.1 kg). Anthropometric measurements showed an average waist circumference (108.7 +/- 15.7 cm), waist-to-hip ratio (0.93 +/- 0.11), and average weight (88.7 +/- 16.9 kg). Bipolar body electrical bioimpedance showed a fat mass of 37 +/- 12.3 kg. Indirect calorimetry showed a resting metabolic rate (RMR) (1674.3 +/- 392 kcal/day). Patients were divided in to two groups by glycaemic status (group I: normal glycaemic metabolism, fasting glucose levels <109 mg/dl; n = 50) and (group II: impaired glycaemic metabolism, fasting glucose levels >110 mg/dl, n = 26). Waist circumference (I: 108 +/- 17.1cm vs. 104.6 +/- 16.7 cm; P < 0.05) and (II: 113.6 +/- 9.8 cm vs. 110.9 +/- 8.9 cm; P < 0.05), weight (I: 90.6 +/- 19.2 kg vs. 86.3 +/- 18.6 kg:P < 0.05) and (II: 89.2 +/- 11.3 kg vs. 86.4 +/- 11.6 kg: P < 0.05) and BMI (I: 34.2 +/- 5.6 vs. 33.7 +/- 5.5; P < 0.05) and (II: 34.8 +/- 4.2 vs. 34.2 +/- 4.6; P < 0.05) improved in both groups with hypocaloric diet. Blood systolic pressure, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol improved in both groups, without statistical differences. In group II improved glucose levels and HOMA index, too. Patients of group II had higher systolic blood pressure, glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein (a), RCP levels and HOMA index than patients in group I. ANOVA analysis did not show differences among weight loss in tertiles of HOMA and glucose. CONCLUSION: Ability to lose weight on a hypocaloric diet over a 3-month time period does not vary in obese patients as a function of glycaemic status. Improvement in cardiovascular risk factors is not related with glycaemic status, too.     

A novel dysphagia diet improves the nutrient intake of institutionalized elders

OBJECTIVES: Dysphagia affects 35% to 60% of the institutionalized elderly population. This study aimed at evaluating the nutrient intake of frail institutionalized elderly persons with dysphagia and to assess the impact of Sainte-Anne's Hospital Advanced Nutritional Care program on dietary intake and weight. DESIGN: A 12-week intervention study. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Ninety-three individuals residing in a Montreal, Canada, long-term care facility who were aged at least 65 years were evaluated. Seventeen subjects with a body mass index (BMI; calculated as kg/m(2)) <24 or weight loss >7.5% within 3 months and with dysphagia were included. INTERVENTION: The treated group (n=8; aged 82.5+/-4.41 years, weight 55.9+/-12.1 kg, BMI 22.4+/-3.93) received Sainte-Anne's Hospital reshaped minced- or pureed-texture foods with thickened beverages where required. The control group (n=9; aged 84.6+/-3.81 years, weight 54.3+/-7.49 kg, BMI 21.2+/-2.31) maintained traditional nourishment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Macronutrient and micronutrient intake, weight, and BMI were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. STATISTICS: Student t tests were performed to evaluate change within and between groups. RESULTS: The treatment and control groups were similar at baseline, having a mean age of 82.5+/-4.41 years vs 84.6+/-3.81 years and BMI of 22.4+/-3.93 vs 21.2+/-2.31, respectively. The average weight in the treated group increased compared to the control group (3.90+/-2.30 vs -0.79+/-4.18 kg; P=0.02). Similarly, the treated group presented an increased intake of energy, proteins, fats, total saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B-2, and vitamin D compared to control subjects (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Institutionalized elderly patients with dysphagia can eat better and increase body weight via a diversified, modified in texture, and appealing oral diet that meets their nutrition needs.     

Effect of a high-protein,energy-restricted diet on body composition,glycemic control,and lipid concentrations in overweight and obese hyperinsulinemic men and women

BACKGROUND: It is not clear whether varying the protein-to-carbohydrate ratio of weight-loss diets benefits body composition or metabolism. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to compare the effects of 2 weight-loss diets differing in protein-to-carbohydrate ratio on body composition, glucose and lipid metabolism, and markers of bone turnover. DESIGN: A parallel design included either a high-protein diet of meat, poultry, and dairy foods (HP diet: 27% of energy as protein, 44% as carbohydrate, and 29% as fat) or a standard-protein diet low in those foods (SP diet: 16% of energy as protein, 57% as carbohydrate, and 27% as fat) during 12 wk of energy restriction (6-6.3 MJ/d) and 4 wk of energy balance ( approximately 8.2 MJ/d). Fifty-seven overweight volunteers with fasting insulin concentrations > 12 mU/L completed the study. RESULTS: Weight loss (7.9 +/- 0.5 kg) and total fat loss (6.9 +/- 0.4 kg) did not differ between diet groups. In women, total lean mass was significantly (P = 0.02) better preserved with the HP diet (-0.1 +/- 0.3 kg) than with the SP diet (-1.5 +/- 0.3 kg). Those fed the HP diet had significantly (P < 0.03) less glycemic response at weeks 0 and 16 than did those fed the SP diet. After weight loss, the glycemic response decreased significantly (P < 0.05) more in the HP diet group. The reduction in serum triacylglycerol concentrations was significantly (P < 0.05) greater in the HP diet group (23%) than in the SP diet group (10%). Markers of bone turnover, calcium excretion, and systolic blood pressure were unchanged. CONCLUSION: Replacing carbohydrate with protein from meat, poultry, and dairy foods has beneficial metabolic effects and no adverse effects on markers of bone turnover or calcium excretion.     

Effect of a low-glycemic-index diet during pregnancy on obstetric outcomes

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is a condition in which the glycemic index (GI) may be of particular relevance because maternal glucose is the main energy substrate for intrauterine growth. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare the effects of low-GI and conventional dietary strategies on pregnancy outcomes in healthy women. Compliance and acceptability were also investigated. DESIGN: The subjects were assigned alternately to receive dietary counseling that encouraged either low-GI (LGI) carbohydrate foods or high-fiber, moderate-to-high GI (HGI) foods and were studied 5 times between <16 wk gestation and delivery. Of the 70 women who met the inclusion criteria, 62 completed the study (32 in the LGI and 30 in the HGI groups). Primary outcomes were measures of fetal size. RESULTS: The mean diet GI fell significantly in the LGI group but not in the HGI group. Compared with the LGI group, women in the HGI group gave birth to infants who were heavier (3408 +/- 78 compared with 3644 +/- 90 g; P = 0.051) and had a higher birth centile (48 +/- 5 compared with 69 +/- 5; P = 0.005), a higher ponderal index (2.62 +/- 0.04 compared with 2.74 +/- 0.04; P = 0.03), and a higher prevalence of large-for-gestational age (3.1% compared with 33.3%; P = 0.01). Women in the LGI group found the diet easier to follow. CONCLUSION: Because birth weight and ponderal index may predict chronic disease in later life, a low-GI diet may favorably influence long-term outcomes.     

Effect of a dietary herbal supplement containing caffeine and ephedra on weight, metabolic rate, and body composition

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a dietary supplement containing herbal caffeine (70 mg/dose) and ephedra (24 mg/dose; C&E) on metabolic rate, weight loss, body composition, and safety parameters. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: In phase I, 12 healthy subjects with a BMI of 25 to 35 kg/m2 had resting metabolic rate (RMR) measured for 2 hours after ingesting C&E or a placebo on two occasions 1 week apart, followed by a 1-week washout before phase II. In phase II, these 12 and 28 additional subjects were randomized to a 12-week, double-blind trial comparing C&E (3 times/day) to placebo. In phase III, the C&E group was given open-label C&E for 3 months, and the placebo group was given C&E for 6 months. RESULTS: In phase I, C&E gave an average 8 +/- 0.1% (SE) rise in RMR over 2 hours compared with placebo (p < 0.01). In phase II, weight loss at 12 weeks was 3.5 +/- 0.6 kg with C&E compared with 0.8 +/- 0.5 kg with placebo (p < 0.02). The percentage fat lost, shown by DXA, was 7.9 +/- 2.9% with C&E and 1.9 +/- 1.1% with placebo (p < 0.05). Pulse decreased more in the placebo group that in the C&E group (p < 0.03). There were no differences in lipid levels or blood pressure. In phase III, there was a 6-month loss of 7.3% and 7.8% of initial body weight for the groups on placebo and C&E during phase II, respectively. There were no serious adverse events. DISCUSSION: C&E increased RMR significantly by 8% compared with placebo, promoted more weight and fat loss than placebo, and was well tolerated.     

An 18-mo randomized trial of a low-glycemic-index diet and weight change in Brazilian women

BACKGROUND: Despite interest in the glycemic index diets as an approach to weight control, few long-term evaluations are available. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate the long-term effect of a low-glycemic-index (LGI) diet compared with that of a high-glycemic-index (HGI) diet; all other dietary components were equal. DESIGN: After a 6-wk run-in, we randomly assigned 203 healthy women [body mass index (in kg/m2): 23-30] aged 25-45 y to an LGI or an HGI diet with a small energy restriction. The primary outcome measure was weight change at 18 mo. Secondary outcomes included hunger and fasting insulin and lipids. RESULTS: Despite requiring a run-in and the use of multiple incentives, only 60% of the subjects completed the study. The difference in glycemic index between the diets was approximately 35-40 units (40 compared with 79) during all 18 mo of follow-up, and the carbohydrate intake from energy remained at approximately 60% in both groups. The LGI group had a slightly greater weight loss in the first 2 mo of follow-up (-0.72 compared with -0.31 kg), but after 12 mo of follow-up both groups began to regain weight. After 18 mo, the weight change was not significantly different (P = 0.93) between groups (LGI: -0.41 kg; HGI: -0.26 kg). A greater reduction was observed in the LGI diet group for triacylglycerol (difference = -16.4 mg/dL; P = 0.11) and VLDL cholesterol (difference = -3.7 mg/dL; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term weight changes were not significantly different between the HGI and LGI diet groups; therefore, this study does not support a benefit of an LGI diet for weight control. Favorable changes in lipids confirmed previous results.     

Meal replacements are as effective as structured weight-loss diets for treating obesity in adults with features of metabolic syndrome

Meal replacements are widely used as a weight-loss strategy; however, their effectiveness outside controlled clinical trial environments is unknown. We compared meal replacements with a structured weight-reduction diet in overweight/obese Australians with raised triglycerides. In a randomized parallel design, 2 groups [meal replacement (MR) and control (C)] of 66 matched subjects underwent a 6000 kJ intervention for 3 mo (stage 1) and a further 3 mo (stage 2). The groups were provided oral and written information. The C group was supplied with shopping vouchers and followed a low fat/energy diet. The MR group was supplied with Slim-Fast trade mark products for 2 meals (1800 kJ) and consumed a low-fat evening meal. Clients were weighed every 2 wk and received structured supervision without professional dietary input, with compliance assessed by 3-d weighed food records. Blood biomarkers were used to assess fruit/vegetable intake and a questionnaire was used to assess attitudes to treatment. Fifty-five subjects completed stage 1 (withdrawals: 7 in the MR group, 4 in the C group) and 42 subjects completed stage 2. Weight loss was 6.0 +/- 4.2 kg (6.3%) for the MR group and 6.6 +/- 3.4 kg (6.9%) for the C group at 3 mo, and 9.0 +/- 6.9 kg (9.4%) for the MR group and 9.2 +/- 5.1 kg (9.3%) for the C group at 6 mo (different over time within but not between treatments). Serum folate and plasma beta-carotene were higher in the MR group. Plasma homocysteine fell in both groups (P < 0.005). Dietary fiber intake was higher in the C group (P < 0.02) and calcium was higher in the MR group (P < 0.001). We concluded meal replacement is equally effective for losing weight compared with conventional but structured weight-loss diets. Dietary compliance and convenience were viewed more favorably by participants who consumed meal replacements than by those in a conventional weight-loss program.     

老年周围动脉硬化闭塞病与血浆纤维蛋白原、血小板集聚率关系的研究

目的　探讨血浆纤维蛋白原、血小板聚集对老年周围动脉硬化闭塞病 (PAOD)的影响。方法　在北京市万寿路地区 2 0 4 11名老年居民中 ,以家委会为单位整群随机抽样 2 12 1人 ,男 94 1人 ,女 1180人 ,最大年龄 89岁 ,最小年龄 6 0岁 ,平均年龄 6 8.5 1岁± 4 .83岁。以踝动脉指数 <0 .9为PAOD诊断标准。以此诊断分成PAOD与非PAOD人群。在PAOD人群中抽取病例组 2 32例 ,其中男 73例、女 15 9例 ,平均年龄 70 .97岁± 6 .4 6岁 ;在非PAOD人群中按完全随机方式抽取对照组 4 6 4人 ,其中男 2 17人、女 2 4 7人 ,平均年龄 6 8.6 3岁± 5 .2 9岁。病例组与对照组均化验血浆纤维蛋白原浓度 ,血小板最大聚集率及 3min血小板聚集率。同时在两组中对PAOD患病有影响的因素进行多元logistic逐步回归分析。 结果　PAOD病例组血浆纤维蛋白原 (435 .4 5mg/dl±115 .2 5mg/dl)高于对照组 (36 0 .96mg/dl±93.5 2mg/dl) ,P =0 .0 0 1;3min血小板聚集率 (48.76 %± 2 3.90 % )高于对照组(43.5 0 %± 2 6 .76 % ) ,P =0 .0 12。logistic回归结果也显示血浆纤维蛋白原 (OR =0 .994 ,95 %CI :0 .992～ 0 .994 )及 3min血小板聚集率 (OR =0 .5 78,95 %CI:0 .4 0 3～ 0 .82 9)为对PAOD患病有显著影响意义的因素。结论　PAOD患者中