High intake of fruits and vegetables predicts weight loss in Brazilian overweight adults.
To determine whether changes in dietary intakes predict weight loss, we studied 80 overweight adults who attended a nutritional counseling program during 6 months of follow-up at a primary health care center in Brazil. Habitual diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline and after 6 months. The mean age (+/-SD) of the participants was 46.5 +/- 9.5 years, and their mean body mass index was 29 +/- 3 kg/m(2) at baseline. After 6 months, the differences in body weight and fruit/vegetable intake were -1.4 +/- 3 kg and +/-109 +/- 320 g daily, respectively. Using multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, changes in walking time, and total energy intake, the increased intake of dietary fiber from fruits/vegetables was associated with a greater weight loss (beta1 [95% confidence interval (CI)] = -0.180 [-0.269, -0.091]) after 6 months of follow-up. Similar results were observed for increased intake of vegetables (beta1 [95% CI] = -0.00497 [-0.008, -0.002]) and fruits (beta1 [95% CI] = -0.00290 [-0.005, -0.001]) as predictors of weight loss. The increase of 100 g/d of vegetables and fruits represented a body weight loss of 500 and 300 g after 6 months, respectively (P < .05). Our findings support the relevance of increased intakes of fruits and vegetables that may help avoid weight gain in overweight adults.
Sartorelli
Daniela Saes
DS
Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, SP 14049-900, Brazil. daniss@fmrp.usp.br
Franco
Laércio Joel
LJ
Cardoso
Marly Augusto
MA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D004034:Diet Surveys; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005638:Fruit; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D050177:Overweight / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014675:Vegetables; D015431:Weight Loss