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Effect of normal-fat diets, either medium or high in protein, on body weight in overweight subjects: a randomised 1-year trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We have previously reported that a fat-reduced high-protein diet had more favourable effects on body weight loss over 6 months than a medium-protein diet.

OBJECTIVE: To extend this observation by a further 6–12 months less stringent intervention and a 24 months follow-up.

DESIGN: A randomised 6 months strictly controlled dietary intervention followed by 6–12 months dietary counselling period, and a subsequent 24 months follow-up, comparing an ad libitum, fat-reduced diet (30% of energy) either high in protein (25% of energy, HP) or medium in protein (12% of energy, MP).

SUBJECTS: A total of 50 overweight and obese subjects (age: 19–55 y; BMI: 26–34 kg/m2).

MEASUREMENTS: Change in body weight, body composition and blood parameters.

RESULTS: After 6 months, the HP group (n=23) achieved a greater weight loss than the MP group (n=23) (9.4 vs 5.9 kg) (P<0.01). After 12 months, 8% had dropped out in the HP vs 28% in the MP group (P<0.07). After 12 months, the weight loss was not significantly greater among the subjects in the HP group (6.2 and 4.3 kg), but they had a 10% greater reduction in intra-abdominal adipose tissue and more in the HP group (17%) lost >10 kg than in the MP (P<0.09). At 24 months, both groups tended to maintain their 12 months weight loss, but more than 50% were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSION: A fat-reduced diet high in protein seems to enhance weight loss and provide a better long-term maintenance of reduced intra-abdominal fat stores.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by The Danish Research and Development Programme for Food Technology (FØTEK), The Federation of Danish Pig Producers and Slaughterhouse, Danish Dairy Research Foundation and The Danish Livestock and Meat Board. Master Food a/s, Kellogg's a/s, Daloon a/s, Hatting Brød a/s, Haribo a/s, Pingvin a/s, Galle&Jessen a/s and Malaco a/s contributed to the food selection. We thank the project staff of the Department of Human Nutrition.

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Due, A., Toubro, S., Skov, A. et al. Effect of normal-fat diets, either medium or high in protein, on body weight in overweight subjects: a randomised 1-year trial. Int J Obes 28, 1283–1290 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802767

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