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Ameliorating effects of L-carnitine and synbiotic co-supplementation on anthropometric measures and cardiometabolic traits in women with obesity: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
Fallah, F, Mahdavi, R
Frontiers in endocrinology. 2023;14:1237882
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Obesity is a multifactorial relapsing chronic disease attributed to the complicated interaction of behavioural, environmental, and genetic factors. Given the adverse effects of anti-obesity medications, there has been a great appeal in the consumption of weight loss supplements among individuals suffering from obesity seeking a “magic bullet,” which is less demanding than conventional weight management protocols. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of concomitant supplementation of L-carnitine and a multistrain/multispecies synbiotic compared with L-carnitine single therapy on the anthropometric and cardiometabolic indices in healthy women with obesity. This study was a double-blind, controlled, randomised clinical trial. Following a 2-week run-in period, the participants were randomly allocated to the “L-carnitine + synbiotic” or “L-carnitine + placebo” groups (1:1 ratio). Results showed that supplementation of multistrain/multispecies synbiotic (250 mg/day) concomitant with L-carnitine (2 × 500 mg/day) for 8 weeks led to greater amendments in anthropometric and glycaemic indices, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in healthy female individuals with obesity without any severe side effects. Authors concluded that co-administration of L-carnitine and synbiotic may be an encouraging therapeutic strategy for obesity and related cardiometabolic complications.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity, a multifactorial disorder with pandemic dimensions, is conceded a major culprit of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating efficient therapeutic strategies. Nutraceuticals and functional foods are considered promising adjuvant/complementary approaches for weight management in individuals with obesity who have low adherence to conventional treatments. Current literature supports the weight-reducing efficacy of pro/pre/synbiotics or L-carnitine; however, the superiority of the nutraceutical joint supplementation approach over common single therapies to counter obesity and accompanying comorbidities is well documented. This study was designed to assess the effects of L-carnitine single therapy compared with L-carnitine and multistrain/multispecies synbiotic co-supplementation on anthropometric and cardiometabolic indicators in women with obesity. METHODS The current placebo-controlled double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 46 women with obesity, randomly allocated to either concomitant supplementation [L-carnitine tartrate (2 × 500 mg/day) + multistrain/multispecies synbiotic (1 capsule/day)] or monotherapy [L-carnitine tartrate (2 × 500 mg/day) + maltodextrin (1 capsule/day)] groups for 8 weeks. Participants in both groups received healthy eating dietary advice. RESULTS Anthropometric, lipid, and glycemic indices significantly improved in both intervention groups; however, L-carnitine + synbiotic co-administration elicited a greater reduction in the anthropometric measures including body mass index (BMI), body weight, and neck, waist, and hip circumferences (p < 0.001, <0.001, <0.001, = 0.012, and =0.030, respectively) after adjusting for probable confounders. Moreover, L-carnitine + synbiotic joint supplementation resulted in a greater reduction in fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin (though marginal), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and more increment in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI; p = 0.014, 0.051, 0.024, and 0.019, respectively) compared with the L-carnitine + placebo monosupplementation. No significant intergroup changes were found for the lipid profile biomarkers, except for a greater increase in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations (HDL-C) in the L-carnitine + synbiotic group (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION L-carnitine + synbiotic co-supplementation was more beneficial in ameliorating anthropometric indices as well as some cardiometabolic parameters compared with L-carnitine single therapy, suggesting that it is a promising adjuvant approach to ameliorate obesity or associated metabolic complications through potential synergistic or complementary mechanisms. Further longer duration clinical trials in a three-group design are demanded to verify the complementary or synergistic mechanisms. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION www.irct.ir, Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20080904001197N13.
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The Weight Optimization Revamping Lifestyle using the Dietary Guidelines (WORLD) Study: Sustained Weight Loss Over 12 Months.
Psota, TL, Tindall, AM, Lohse, B, Miller, PE, Petersen, KS, Kris-Etherton, PM
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.). 2020;28(7):1235-1244
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Effective long-term weight loss strategies to reduce the risk of death and diseases associated with being obese or overweight are required, as restrictive programmes are difficult to sustain, and weight loss may be heavily influenced by behavioural factors. This randomised control trial of 101 premenopausal women with obesity or overweight aimed to compare a lower-fat and moderate-fat diets, both with nutrition education for 12 months. The results showed that both treatment groups lost weight. Both groups consumed the same amount of fat but increased their diet quality. Diet quality and greater attendance at nutritional education sessions were associated with greater weight loss. Cholesterol was significantly lower in both groups, but blood pressure remained unchanged. Interestingly there were a large number of women who did not complete the trial. It was concluded that irrespective of the amount of fat consumed, nutrition education can help to achieve sustained weight loss, improve diet quality and decrease heart disease risk for at least 12 months. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that recommending fat-based targets for weight loss may be ineffective and the importance of emotional and behavioural support for individuals on a weight loss regime to improve their risk for heart disease.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare two energy-restricted, nutrient-dense diets at the upper or lower ends of the dietary fat recommendation range (lower fat [20% energy from fat] versus moderate fat [35%]) on weight loss using behavioral theory-based nutrition education. METHODS A total of 101 premenopausal women with overweight or obesity were randomized to an energy-restricted lower-fat or moderate-fat diet for 1 year. Interventions included 28 behavioral theory-based nutrition education sessions plus weekly exercise sessions. RESULTS Both treatment groups experienced weight loss (-5.0 kg for lower fat and -4.3 kg for moderate fat; P < 0.0001), but there was no difference in weight loss or fat intake between groups. Total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased (-3. 4 mg/dL and -3.8 mg/dL; P < 0.05), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased (1.9 mg/dL; P < 0.05) in both groups at 12 months. Diet quality, assessed by the Healthy Eating Index, increased significantly at 4 months versus baseline (70.8 [0.9] vs. 77.8 [1.0]) and was maintained through 12 months. Higher Healthy Eating Index scores were associated with greater weight loss at 4 months (r = -0.2; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In the context of a well-resourced, free-living weight-loss intervention, total fat intake did not change; however, theory-based nutrition education underpinned by food-based recommendations resulted in caloric deficits, improvements in diet quality, and weight loss that was sustained for 1 year.
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Effects of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Osteoclast Activity and Bone Density in Morbidly Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
Tangalakis, LL, Tabone, L, Spagnoli, A, Muehlbauer, M, Omotosho, P, Torquati, A
Obesity surgery. 2020;30(1):290-295
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Gastric surgery and the resultant weight loss can improve an individual’s outcomes in a number of diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, however an unfortunate side effect is bone loss. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a process whereby the size of your stomach is significantly reduced, and it is unclear as to the effect this type of surgery has on bone density. This cohort study of sixty-one individuals who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass aimed to determine the effect on bone density one year post surgery. The results showed that following surgery, bone resorption was increased compared to control and although bone density was similar between the two groups, bone mineral content and bone surface area were decreased. Women who were post-menopausal demonstrated diminished bone health, although this was not significant. It was concluded that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery results in a negative impact on bone health. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand the importance of considering bone health when recommending surgery, especially in those at high-risk of bone loss such as post-menopausal women.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a well-established treatment for morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes. The effects of RYGB on bone metabolism and bone health are largely unknown. OBJECTIVE Determine the changes in osteoclast function and bone density 1 year after RYGB as compared with a control group undergoing a diabetes support and education program (DSE). DESIGN A prospective cohort study with patients matched for weight and age assigned to RYGB or DSE. SETTING Large academic institution. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and morbid obesity (body mass index greater than 35 kg/m2). INTERVENTION Subjects either received laparoscopic RYBG or DSE, which consisted of nutritional, exercise, and dietary counseling performed by a certified diabetic educator and a nutritionist three times over a year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Osteoclast activity, bone mineral density. RESULTS One year after, intervention subjects undergoing RYGB have a 280% increase in osteoclast activity as compared with a 7.6% increase in the DSE control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant increase in sclerostin levels in subjects undergoing RYGB compared with an increase in the control group. The total bone mineral density was statistically unchanged within 1 year of intervention in both groups. A statistically significant decrease in bone mineral density in the left ribs (decrease of 6.8%, P < 0.05) and lumbar spine (decrease of 4.0%, P < 0.05) was seen 1 year after RYGB. CONCLUSIONS There is a significant increase in osteoclast activity observed 1 year after RYGB; the long-term clinical implications of this increased bone metabolism are unknown.
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Gut microbiota plasticity is correlated with sustained weight loss on a low-carb or low-fat dietary intervention.
Grembi, JA, Nguyen, LH, Haggerty, TD, Gardner, CD, Holmes, SP, Parsonnet, J
Scientific reports. 2020;10(1):1405
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Obesity is responsible for a substantial number of deaths and is associated with considerable economic costs. Dietary intervention can help with weight loss; however, success varies between individuals. Gut microbiota could influence weight loss as they have been shown in previous studies to affect feelings of hunger. This cohort study taken from an RCT of 161 obese adults aimed to determine if differing gut microbiota communities could be involved in determining weight loss success when on a low-carbohydrate or a low-fat diet over 12 months. The results showed that specific gut microbiota did not predict weight loss success. However, having a diverse gut microbiota prior to starting a low-fat diet, predicted higher weight loss. This was only observed in those on a low-carbohydrate diet after 10 weeks of dieting. Interestingly individuals that reported better dietary adherence weren’t necessarily more successful with weight loss. It was concluded that gut microbiota diversity is important in sustained weight loss, especially if on a low-fat diet. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that microbial diversity may determine the success of a diet regime and the importance of personalising recommendations.
Abstract
While low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets can both lead to weight-loss, a substantial variability in achieved long-term outcomes exists among obese but otherwise healthy adults. We examined the hypothesis that structural differences in the gut microbiota explain a portion of variability in weight-loss using two cohorts of obese adults enrolled in the Diet Intervention Examining The Factors Interacting with Treatment Success (DIETFITS) study. A total of 161 pre-diet fecal samples were sequenced from a discovery cohort (n = 66) and 106 from a validation cohort (n = 56). An additional 157 fecal samples were sequenced from the discovery cohort after 10 weeks of dietary intervention. We found no specific bacterial signatures associated with weight loss that were consistent across both cohorts. However, the gut microbiota plasticity (i.e. variability), was correlated with long-term (12-month) weight loss in a diet-dependent manner; on the low-fat diet subjects with higher pre-diet daily plasticity had higher sustained weight loss, whereas on the low-carbohydrate diet those with higher plasticity over 10 weeks of dieting had higher 12-month weight loss. Our findings suggest the potential importance of gut microbiota plasticity for sustained weight-loss. We highlight the advantages of evaluating kinetic trends and assessing reproducibility in studies of the gut microbiota.
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Link between gut microbiota and health outcomes in inulin -treated obese patients: Lessons from the Food4Gut multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Hiel, S, Gianfrancesco, MA, Rodriguez, J, Portheault, D, Leyrolle, Q, Bindels, LB, Gomes da Silveira Cauduro, C, Mulders, MDGH, Zamariola, G, Azzi, AS, et al
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). 2020;39(12):3618-3628
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A global obesity epidemic has become a growing concern today. Modifying the microbial population in our gut has been identified as a nutritional intervention strategy for managing obesity. Fermentable dietary fibres such as inulin-type fructans may alter the microbial population in the gut. In this randomised, single-blind, multicentric, placebo-controlled study, researchers examined the effect of 16g/d native inulin supplementation with inulin-rich vegetables on obesity and gut bacteria composition over three months in 106 Caucasian subjects. Furthermore, the study examined the synergistic effects of metformin and inulin on gut microbial composition. 75% of the participants lost body weight after taking inulin and making dietary changes. In addition, BMI, fat mass and other metabolic markers decreased in this group. Combined with inulin, metformin showed gut microbial modulation, although an increase in Bifidobacterium species was less noticeable. Supplementing inulin with inulin-rich vegetables caused uncomfortable side effects such as bloating and flatulence. Even though subjects showed a reduction in side effects after the first month of supplementation, it should be considered when making intervention decisions for people prone to digestive issues. Nutrition practitioners can use these results when developing obesity intervention strategies.
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut microbiota is altered in obesity and is strongly influenced by nutrients and xenobiotics. We have tested the impact of native inulin as prebiotic present in vegetables and added as a supplement on gut microbiota-related outcomes in obese patients. Metformin treatment was analyzed as a potential modulator of the response. METHODS A randomized, single-blinded, multicentric, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 150 obese patients who received 16 g/d native inulin versus maltodextrin, coupled to dietary advice to consume inulin-rich versus -poor vegetables for 3 months, respectively, in addition to dietary caloric restriction. Anthropometry, diagnostic imaging (abdominal CT-scan, fibroscan), food-behavior questionnaires, serum biology and fecal microbiome (primary outcome; 16S rDNA sequencing) were analyzed before and after the intervention. RESULTS Both placebo and prebiotic interventions lowered energy intake, BMI, systolic blood pressure, and serum γ-GT. The prebiotic induced greater weight loss and additionally decreased diastolic blood pressure, AST and insulinemia. Metformin treatment compromised most of the gut microbiota changes and metabolic improvements linked to prebiotic intervention. The prebiotic modulated specific bacteria, associated with the improvement of anthropometry (i.e. a decrease in Desulfovibrio and Clostridium sensu stricto). A large increase in Bifidobacterium appears as a signature of inulin intake rather than a driver of prebiotic-linked biological outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Inulin-enriched diet is able to promote weight loss in obese patients, the treatment efficiency being related to gut microbiota characteristics. This treatment is more efficacious in patients who did not receive metformin as anti-diabetic drugs prior the intervention, supporting that both drug treatment and microbiota might be taken into account in personalized nutrition interventions. Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no NCT03852069.
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Normalization of Plus Size and the Danger of Unseen Overweight and Obesity in England.
Muttarak, R
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.). 2018;26(7):1125-1129
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In the United Kingdom more than 25% of adults are classified as clinically obese, thus leading to a normalisation of overweight and obesity. As being 'plus size' becomes more common, there is an increase in weight status misperception that can potentially undermine the recognition of being overweight and its health consequences. The aim of this study was to explore the trends and socio-demographic factors underlying perceived weight status among the overweight or obese population in England. A cross-sectional study was done to collect data through face-to-face interviews and a self-completion questionnaire. The findings of this study showed that there is an increasing trend in misperceiving weight status between both men and women. The authors’ conclude this is possibly reflective of the normalisation of overweight and obesity and that it is vital for obesity prevention programs to consider socioeconomic inequalities for program effectiveness.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate trends and sociodemographic factors underlying weight misperception in adults with overweight and obesity in England. METHODS This study used descriptive and logistic regression analyses based on a pooled nationally representative cross-sectional survey, Health Survey for England, for the years 1997, 1998, 2002, 2014, and 2015 of individuals with BMI ≥ 25 (n = 23,459). The main outcomes were (1) weight misperception and (2) weight-loss attempts as well as the associations with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and health status. RESULTS The proportion of individuals with overweight and obesity misperceiving their weight status increased over time between 1997 and 2015 (37% to 40% in men; 17% to 19% in women). There were socioeconomic disparities in the misperception of weight status, with lower-educated individuals from poorer-income households and members of minority ethnic groups being more likely to underestimate their weight. Those underestimating their overweight and obesity status were 85% less likely to try to lose weight compared with people who accurately identified their weight status. CONCLUSIONS The upward trend in underassessment of overweight and obesity status in England is possibly a result of the normalization of overweight and obesity. Obesity prevention programs need to consider differential sociodemographic characteristics associated with underassessment of weight status.
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Fruit Fiber Consumption Specifically Improves Liver Health Status in Obese Subjects under Energy Restriction.
Cantero, I, Abete, I, Monreal, JI, Martinez, JA, Zulet, MA
Nutrients. 2017;9(7)
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Non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in Western countries, affecting 20–30% of the general adult population. The causes of NAFLD are related to lifestyle factors such as unbalanced diets and/or overnutrition as well as sedentary lifestyles. NAFLD is associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MS). This study aimed to evaluate the influence of two calorie-restricted diets on non-invasive markers and scores of liver damage in obese individuals with MS after six months of follow-up and to assess the role of fibre content in metabolic outcomes. Seventy obese adults were evaluated at baseline and after six months of calorie-restricted diets (American Heart Association (AHA) and RESMENA dietary groups). Both diets had the same energy restriction (−30% of the individual’s requirements). Dietary records, body composition and routine laboratory measurements for liver status were analysed. Although adherence to the dietary strategies was similar, resulting in no differences in macronutrient distribution, a variety of markers of liver damage were lower in those individuals who had a higher fibre intake. Fibre derived from fruit had a particularly beneficial impact, suggesting that not only energy restriction but also other dietary components positively influence liver health. The authors concluded that these results support the design of dietary patterns based on the consumption of insoluble fibre and fibre from fruits in the context of energy restriction for the management of obese patients suffering fatty liver disease.
Abstract
The prevalence of non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MS). This study aimed to evaluate the influence of two energy-restricted diets on non-invasive markers and scores of liver damage in obese individuals with features of MS after six months of follow-up and to assess the role of fiber content in metabolic outcomes. Seventy obese individuals from the RESMENA (Reduction of Metabolic Syndrome in Navarra) study were evaluated at baseline and after six months of energy-restricted nutritional intervention (American Heart Association (AHA) and RESMENA dietary groups). Dietary records, anthropometrical data, body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and routine laboratory measurements were analyzed by standardized methods. Regarding liver status, cytokeratin-18 fragments and several non-invasive scores of fatty liver were also assessed. The RESMENA strategy was a good and complementary alternative to AHA for the treatment of obesity-related comorbidities. Participants with higher insoluble fiber consumption (≥7.5 g/day) showed improvements in fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HIS), and NAFLD liver fat score (NAFLD_LFS), while gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and transaminases evidenced significant improvements as a result of fruit fiber consumption (≥8.8 g/day). Remarkably, a regression model evidenced a relationship between liver status and fiber from fruits. These results support the design of dietary patterns based on the consumption of insoluble fiber and fiber from fruits in the context of energy restriction for the management of obese patients suffering fatty liver disease.
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Effect of Alternate-Day Fasting on Weight Loss, Weight Maintenance, and Cardioprotection Among Metabolically Healthy Obese Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Trepanowski, JF, Kroeger, CM, Barnosky, A, Klempel, MC, Bhutani, S, Hoddy, KK, Gabel, K, Freels, S, Rigdon, J, Rood, J, et al
JAMA internal medicine. 2017;177(7):930-938
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Restricting calories every second day to as low as 500 calories (alternate day fasting) has become popular in recent years as a weight loss strategy. This randomised clinical trial of 69 obese, but otherwise healthy, individuals aimed to assess the impact of alternate day fasting for 6 months on weight loss and risk factors for heart disease, in comparison to more traditional daily calorie restriction. The study results showed that average weight loss was similar for the alternate day fasting group and daily calorie restriction group, compared to control. Average HDL cholesterol levels were higher at month 6 and average LDL cholesterol levels were higher at month 12 in the alternate day fasting group, compared to the daily calorie restriction group. There were no other statistically significant differences between the 2 groups for other markers of heart disease. Drop out rates were highest in the alternate day fasting group, suggesting that it is a harder diet to stick to in the longer term. Nutrition practitioners practising individualised nutrition can use the results of this trial to work with overweight clients in choosing the best dietary strategy for weight loss in relation to their clients’ goals and lifestyle.
Abstract
Importance: Alternate-day fasting has become increasingly popular, yet, to date, no long-term randomized clinical trials have evaluated its efficacy. Objective: To compare the effects of alternate-day fasting vs daily calorie restriction on weight loss, weight maintenance, and risk indicators for cardiovascular disease. Design, Setting, and Participants: A single-center randomized clinical trial of obese adults (18 to 64 years of age; mean body mass index, 34) was conducted between October 1, 2011, and January 15, 2015, at an academic institution in Chicago, Illinois. Interventions: Participants were randomized to 1 of 3 groups for 1 year: alternate-day fasting (25% of energy needs on fast days; 125% of energy needs on alternating "feast days"), calorie restriction (75% of energy needs every day), or a no-intervention control. The trial involved a 6-month weight-loss phase followed by a 6-month weight-maintenance phase. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was change in body weight. Secondary outcomes were adherence to the dietary intervention and risk indicators for cardiovascular disease. Results: Among the 100 participants (86 women and 14 men; mean [SD] age, 44 [11] years), the dropout rate was highest in the alternate-day fasting group (13 of 34 [38%]), vs the daily calorie restriction group (10 of 35 [29%]) and control group (8 of 31 [26%]). Mean weight loss was similar for participants in the alternate-day fasting group and those in the daily calorie restriction group at month 6 (-6.8% [95% CI, -9.1% to -4.5%] vs -6.8% [95% CI, -9.1% to -4.6%]) and month 12 (-6.0% [95% CI, -8.5% to -3.6%] vs -5.3% [95% CI, -7.6% to -3.0%]) relative to those in the control group. Participants in the alternate-day fasting group ate more than prescribed on fast days, and less than prescribed on feast days, while those in the daily calorie restriction group generally met their prescribed energy goals. There were no significant differences between the intervention groups in blood pressure, heart rate, triglycerides, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, or homocysteine concentrations at month 6 or 12. Mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels at month 6 significantly increased among the participants in the alternate-day fasting group (6.2 mg/dL [95% CI, 0.1-12.4 mg/dL]), but not at month 12 (1.0 mg/dL [95% CI, -5.9 to 7.8 mg/dL]), relative to those in the daily calorie restriction group. Mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly elevated by month 12 among the participants in the alternate-day fasting group (11.5 mg/dL [95% CI, 1.9-21.1 mg/dL]) compared with those in the daily calorie restriction group. Conclusions and Relevance: Alternate-day fasting did not produce superior adherence, weight loss, weight maintenance, or cardioprotection vs daily calorie restriction. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00960505.