The effect of increasing consumption of pulses and wholegrains in obese people: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Wholegrain intake is inversely related to weight gain over time, but little information is available on the role of pulses in weight control.


OBJECTIVE
To compare weight loss, metabolic outcomes, and nutrient intakes in obese people assigned to a diet rich in pulses and wholegrains or a control diet.


METHODS
Randomized controlled study of 18 months with 113 volunteers (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 28 kg/m(2)). Diets were based on guidelines published by the National Heart Foundation of New Zealand. The intervention group was advised to consume 2 serves of pulses and 4 serves of wholegrain foods per day as substitutions for more refined carbohydrates.


RESULTS
Fiber intakes were higher, intakes of several vitamins and minerals were better maintained, and dietary glycemic index was lower in the intervention compared with the control group. Mean (standard error [SE]) weight loss at 6 months was 6.0 (0.7) kg and 6.3 (0.6) kg in the control and intervention groups, respectively, and was not different between groups (p > 0.05). Blood pressure, triglycerides, and glycemic load were lowered in both groups compared with baseline. Waist circumference was decreased at 18 months in the intervention compared with the control group (-2.8 cm; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.4, -5.1).


CONCLUSIONS
Incorporation of pulses and wholegrain foods into a weight loss program resulted in a greater reduction in waist circumference compared with the group consuming a control diet, although no difference in weight loss was noted between groups. Retention of several nutrients was better with the pulse and wholegrain diet.
Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. bernard.venn@otago.ac.nz
Bernard J
BJ
Venn
Tracy
T
Perry
Tim J
TJ
Green
C Murray
CM
Skeaff
Wendy
W
Aitken
Nicky J
NJ
Moore
Jim I
JI
Mann
Alison J
AJ
Wallace
John
J
Monro
Alison
A
Bradshaw
Rachel C
RC
Brown
Paula M L
PM
Skidmore
Kyle
K
Doel
Kerry
K
O'Brien
Chris
C
Frampton
Sheila
S
Williams
D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002523:Edible Grain / Q000737:chemistry*; D007887:Fabaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D038321:Glycemic Index; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D055105:Waist Circumference; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D018977:Micronutrients; D028321:Plant Preparations; D014280:Triglycerides