Nutrient adequacy during weight loss interventions: a randomized study in women comparing the dietary intake in a meal replacement group with a traditional food group.
BACKGROUND
Safe and effective weight control strategies are needed to stem the current obesity epidemic. The objective of this one-year study was to document and compare the macronutrient and micronutrient levels in the foods chosen by women following two different weight reduction interventions.


METHODS
Ninety-six generally healthy overweight or obese women (ages 25-50 years; BMI 25-35 kg/m2) were randomized into a Traditional Food group (TFG) or a Meal Replacement Group (MRG) incorporating 1-2 meal replacement drinks or bars per day. Both groups had an energy-restricted goal of 5400 kJ/day. Dietary intake data was obtained using 3-Day Food records kept by the subjects at baseline, 6 months and one-year. For more uniform comparisons between groups, each diet intervention consisted of 18 small group sessions led by the same Registered Dietitian.


RESULTS
Weight loss for the 73% (n = 70) completing this one-year study was not significantly different between the groups, but was significantly different (p < or = .05) within each group with a mean (+/- standard deviation) weight loss of -6.1 +/- 6.7 kg (TFG, n = 35) vs -5.0 +/- 4.9 kg (MRG, n = 35). Both groups had macronutrient (Carbohydrate:Protein:Fat) ratios that were within the ranges recommended (50:19:31, TFG vs 55:16:29, MRG). Their reported reduced energy intake was similar (5729 +/- 1424 kJ, TFG vs 5993 +/- 2016 kJ, MRG). There was an improved dietary intake pattern in both groups as indicated by decreased intake of saturated fat (< or = 10%), cholesterol (<200 mg/day), and sodium (< 2400 mg/day), with increased total servings/day of fruits and vegetables (4.0 +/- 2.2, TFG vs 4.6 +/- 3.2, MRG). However, the TFG had a significantly lower dietary intake of several vitamins and minerals compared to the MRG and was at greater risk for inadequate intake.


CONCLUSIONS
In this one-year university-based intervention, both dietitian-led groups successfully lost weight while improving overall dietary adequacy. The group incorporating fortified meal replacements tended to have a more adequate essential nutrient intake compared to the group following a more traditional food group diet. This study supports the need to incorporate fortified foods and/or dietary supplements while following an energy-restricted diet for weight loss.
Ashley
Judith M
JM
Nutrition Department, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA. jashley@unr.edu
Herzog
Holly
H
Clodfelter
Sharon
S
Bovee
Vicki
V
Schrage
Jon
J
Pritsos
Chris
C
D000328:Adult; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005526:Food, Formulated; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009753:Nutritive Value; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014675:Vegetables; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015431:Weight Loss
D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins