High intake of fruits and vegetables predicts weight loss in Brazilian overweight adults

To determine whether changes in dietary intakes predict weight loss, we studied 80 overweight adults who attended a nutritional counseling program during 6 months of follow-up at a primary health care center in Brazil. Habitual diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline and after 6 months. The mean age (±SD) of the participants was 46.5 ± 9.5 years, and their mean body mass index was 29 ± 3 kg/m² at baseline. After 6 months, the differences in body weight and fruit/vegetable intake were −1.4 ± 3 kg and ±109 ± 320 g daily, respectively. Using multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, changes in walking time, and total energy intake, the increased intake of dietary fiber from fruits/vegetables was associated with a greater weight loss (β1 [95% confidence interval (CI)] = −0.180 [−0.269, −0.091]) after 6 months of follow-up. Similar results were observed for increased intake of vegetables (β1 [95% CI] = −0.00497 [−0.008, −0.002]) and fruits (β1 [95% CI] = −0.00290 [−0.005, −0.001]) as predictors of weight loss. The increase of 100 g/d of vegetables and fruits represented a body weight loss of 500 and 300 g after 6 months, respectively (P < .05). Our findings support the relevance of increased intakes of fruits and vegetables that may help avoid weight gain in overweight adults.