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.
Sullivan
Shelby
S
Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Samuel
Samuel
S
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