1.
Comparison of high protein and high fiber weight-loss diets in women with risk factors for the metabolic syndrome: a randomized trial.
Te Morenga, LA, Levers, MT, Williams, SM, Brown, RC, Mann, J
Nutrition journal. 2011;:40
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.
2.
Long-term effects of popular dietary approaches on weight loss and features of insulin resistance.
McAuley, KA, Smith, KJ, Taylor, RW, McLay, RT, Williams, SM, Mann, JI
International journal of obesity (2005). 2006;(2):342-9
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High-carbohydrate (HC)-high-fibre diets are recommended for weight loss and for treating and preventing diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We report a randomised trial comparing high-fat (HF) and high-protein (HP) diets with the conventional approach. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 93 overweight insulin-resistant women received advice following randomisation to HF, HP or HC dietary regimes, to achieve weight loss followed by weight maintenance over 12 months. Weight, body composition and measures of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were investigated. RESULTS Retention rates were 93% for HP and 75% for HC and HF. Features of the metabolic syndrome improved in all groups during the first 6 months, to a greater extent on HF and HP than an HC. During the second 6 months the HF group had increases in waist circumference (mean difference 4.4 cm (95% CI 3.0, 5.8)), fat mass (2.3 kg (1.5, 3.1)), triglycerides (0.28 mmol/l (0.09, 0.46)) and 2 h glucose (0.70 mmol/l (0.22, 1.18)). Overall there was substantial sustained improvement in waist circumference, triglycerides and insulin in the HP group and sustained but more modest changes on HC. Dietary compliance at 12 months was poor in all groups. CONCLUSIONS HP and HC approaches appear to be appropriate options for insulin-resistant individuals. When recommending HP diets appropriate composition of dietary fat must be ensured. HC diet recommendations must include advice regarding appropriate high-fibre, low glycaemic index foods.