title: Comparison of high protein and high fiber weight-loss diets in women with risk factors for the metabolic syndrome: a randomized trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Studies have suggested that moderately high protein diets may be more appropriate than conventional low-fat high carbohydrate diets for individuals at risk of developing the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. However in most such studies sources of dietary carbohydrate may not have been appropriate and protein intakes may have been excessively high. Thus, in a proof-of-concept study we compared two relatively low-fat weight loss diets - one high in protein and the other high in fiber-rich, minimally processed cereals and legumes - to determine whether a relatively high protein diet has the potential to confer greater benefits.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-three overweight or obese women, 18-65 years, were randomized to either a moderately high protein (30% protein, 40% carbohydrate) diet (HP) or to a high fiber, relatively high carbohydrate (50% carbohydrate, > 35 g total dietary fiber, 20% protein) diet (HFib) for 8 weeks. Energy intakes were reduced by 2000 - 4000 kJ per day in order to achieve weight loss of between 0.5 and 1 kg per week.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants on both diets lost weight (HP: -4.5 kg [95% confidence interval (CI):-3.7, -5.4 kg] and HFib: -3.3 kg [95% CI: -4.2, -2.4 kg]), and reduced total body fat (HP: -4.0 kg [5% CI:-4.6, -3.4 kg] and HFib: -2.5 kg [95% CI: -3.5, -1.6 kg]), and waist circumference (HP: -5.4 cm [95% CI: -6.3, -4.5 cm] and HFib: -4.7 cm [95% CI: -5.8, -3.6 cm]), as well as total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose and blood pressure. However participants on HP lost more body weight (-1.3 kg [95% CI: -2.5, -0.1 kg; p = 0.039]) and total body fat (-1.3 kg [95% CI: -2.4, -0.1; p = 0.029]). Diastolic blood pressure decreased more on HP (-3.7 mm Hg [95% CI: -6.2, -1.1; p = 0.005]).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A realistic high protein weight-reducing diet was associated with greater fat loss and lower blood pressure when compared with a high carbohydrate, high fiber diet in high risk overweight and obese women.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. lisa.temorenga@otago.ac.nz
authors.forename: Lisa A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Te Morenga
authors.forename: Megan T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Levers
authors.forename: Sheila M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Rachel C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mann
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000209:etiology; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D015431:Weight Loss; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol