Effect of normal-fat diets, either medium or high in protein, on body weight in overweight subjects: a randomised 1-year trial.
BACKGROUND
We have previously reported that a fat-reduced high-protein diet had more favourable effects on body weight loss over 6 months than a medium-protein diet.


OBJECTIVE
To extend this observation by a further 6-12 months less stringent intervention and a 24 months follow-up.


METHODS
A randomised 6 months strictly controlled dietary intervention followed by 6-12 months dietary counselling period, and a subsequent 24 months follow-up, comparing an ad libitum, fat-reduced diet (30% of energy) either high in protein (25% of energy, HP) or medium in protein (12% of energy, MP).


METHODS
A total of 50 overweight and obese subjects (age: 19-55 y; BMI: 26-34 kg/m(2)).


METHODS
Change in body weight, body composition and blood parameters.


RESULTS
After 6 months, the HP group (n=23) achieved a greater weight loss than the MP group (n=23) (9.4 vs 5.9 kg) (P<0.01). After 12 months, 8% had dropped out in the HP vs 28% in the MP group (P<0.07). After 12 months, the weight loss was not significantly greater among the subjects in the HP group (6.2 and 4.3 kg), but they had a 10% greater reduction in intra-abdominal adipose tissue and more in the HP group (17%) lost >10 kg than in the MP (P<0.09). At 24 months, both groups tended to maintain their 12 months weight loss, but more than 50% were lost to follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
A fat-reduced diet high in protein seems to enhance weight loss and provide a better long-term maintenance of reduced intra-abdominal fat stores.
Department of Human Nutrition, Centre for Advanced Food Studies, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D001823:Body Composition; D001835:Body Weight; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010349:Patient Compliance; D015431:Weight Loss
D004041:Dietary Fats; D004044:Dietary Proteins