The BROAD study: A randomised controlled trial using a whole food plant-based diet in the community for obesity, ischaemic heart disease or diabetes.
There is little randomised evidence using a whole food plant-based (WFPB) diet as intervention for elevated body mass index (BMI) or dyslipidaemia. We investigated the effectiveness of a community-based dietary programme. Primary end points: BMI and cholesterol at 6 months (subsequently extended).



Ages 35-70, from one general practice in Gisborne, New Zealand. Diagnosed with obesity or overweight and at least one of type 2 diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, hypertension or hypercholesterolaemia. Of 65 subjects randomised (control n=32, intervention n=33), 49 (75.4%) completed the study to 6 months. Twenty-three (70%) intervention participants were followed up at 12 months.



All participants received normal care. Intervention participants attended facilitated meetings twice-weekly for 12 weeks, and followed a non-energy-restricted WFPB diet with vitamin B12supplementation.



At 6 months, mean BMI reduction was greater with the WFPB diet compared with normal care (4.4 vs 0.4, difference: 3.9 kg m-2(95% confidence interval (CI)±1), P<0.0001). Mean cholesterol reduction was greater with the WFPB diet, but the difference was not significant compared with normal care (0.71 vs 0.26, difference: 0.45 mmol l-1(95% CI±0.54), P=0.1), unless dropouts were excluded (difference: 0.56 mmol l-1(95% CI±0.54), P=0.05). Twelve-month mean reductions for the WFPB diet group were 4.2 (±0.8) kg m-2BMI points and 0.55 (±0.54, P=0.05) mmol l-1total cholesterol. No serious harms were reported.



This programme led to significant improvements in BMI, cholesterol and other risk factors. To the best of our knowledge, this research has achieved greater weight loss at 6 and 12 months than any other trial that does not limit energy intake or mandate regular exercise.
Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, Gisborne, New Zealand.
N
0000-0002-2829-3365
N
Wright
Two Zesty Bananas Limited, Wellington, New Zealand.
L
L
Wilson
BROAD Study, Gisborne, New Zealand.
M
M
Smith
Hauora Tairāwhiti, Gisborne, New Zealand.
B
B
Duncan
Department Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
P
P
McHugh
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy*; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy*; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy*; D050177:Overweight / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002784:Cholesterol