A simple dietary message to improve dietary quality: Results from a pilot investigation.
OBJECTIVE
The present study compared the feasibility of two simple messages (a high-fiber diet or a low saturated fat diet) to a combination message (high fiber/low saturated fat) on their potential to affect dietary quality and metabolic health.


METHODS
Thirty-six subjects were randomized to one of three intervention conditions and received individual dietary counseling sessions. Study assessments occurred at baseline, 3 mo, and 6 mo.


RESULTS
The sample was 84% female and 94% Caucasian. Mean body mass index was 31kg/m(2). At the 6-mo assessment phase, we retained all 12 patients in the high-fiber diet condition, 10 of 12 in the low saturated fat condition, and 9 of 12 in the combination condition. Participants reported that the dietary fiber intervention was easier to maintain compared with the other two intervention conditions (83% for high dietary fiber versus 60% for low saturated fat versus 33% for the combination, P=0.008). Overall dietary quality improved in all three conditions during the study (P=0.01). In addition to increasing fiber, the high-fiber condition decreased their saturated fat intake, even though a reduction in saturated fat was not a part of that intervention condition. Participants in all three conditions lost an average of 9 lb from baseline weight (P<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
A simple dietary message is feasible and can improve overall dietary quality. Results support the need for a larger randomized controlled trial that is powered to detect the efficacy of a simplified dietary recommendation for dietary quality and metabolic health.
University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA. Barbara.olendzki@umassmed.edu
Barbara C
BC
Olendzki
Yunsheng
Y
Ma
Kristin L
KL
Schneider
Philip
P
Merriam
Annie L
AL
Culver
Ira S
IS
Ockene
Sherry
S
Pagoto
D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling; D004032:Diet / Q000592:standards*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects
D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005227:Fatty Acids