title: Short and long term results of a progressive reintroduction of carbohydrates (PRCH) after a protein-sparing modified fast (PSMF).
abstract: Most studies report on a more than 50 percent weight regain 2-3 years after PSMF. We studied the effect of a progressive reintroduction of carbohydrates (PRCH) after a PSMF diet based on natural foods which delivered 800-1200 kcal, 1.2-1.4 g protein/kg of ideal weight, less than 40 g CHO/day. Among 1270 outpatients between 1981-1985, 87 (18M, 69F, age 41.3 +/- 13.8, BMI 32.9 +/- 5.1) followed both PSMF and PRCH. Follow-up was obtained for 57 patients, 1/3 by direct examination, 2/3 by letter. Weight remained stable during PRCH, in opposition to other reports. Best results during PRCH were found in patients with optimal compliance to PSMF, as measured by rate of weight loss (r = 0.284). Only about 40 percent of the obtained weight loss was regained 39.5 months after the treatment. Progressive reintroduction of carbohydrates prevents the expected weight regain after PSMF and even seems to have a positive effect on long term weight maintenance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital-Chuv, Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bettens
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Héraïef
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Burckhardt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D015430:Weight Gain; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates