Effect of short-term Pritikin diet therapy on the metabolic syndrome.
The Pritikin Program (Aventura, FL) involves the use of a very-low-fat, low-sodium, high-fiber diet and exercise to decrease the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). This study evaluated the effect of short-term Pritikin therapy on the metabolic risk factors for CHD in patients with the metabolic syndrome. Sixty-seven subjects who had the metabolic syndrome and attended the Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa for 12-15 days were studied. Short-term Pritikin therapy improved most CHD risk factors: body mass index decreased by 3% (P<.001); systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and serum glucose and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations decreased by 10%-15% (P<.001); serum triglyceride concentration decreased by 36% (P<.001); and 37% of subjects no longer met National Cholesterol Education Program criteria for the metabolic syndrome. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, however, decreased by 3% (P<.05). These data demonstrate that brief treatment with a very-low-fat, low-sodium, high-fiber diet and regular exercise simultaneously improves multiple CHD risk factors in patients with the metabolic syndrome.
Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Shelby
S
Sullivan
Samuel
S
Samuel
D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001835:Body Weight; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D004039:Diet, Sodium-Restricted; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001786:Blood Glucose; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D008055:Lipids