Premium
Effects of a Novel Dietary Portion Control Program on Energy Intake, Energy Density, and Weight Loss
Author(s) -
Freed Cassi,
Fawcett Sarah,
Weber-Dewitt Darlene,
Melby Chris
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.820.4
Subject(s) - overweight , energy density , limiting , obesity , weight loss , medicine , zoology , body weight , food intake , serving size , food science , environmental health , chemistry , biology , endocrinology , mechanical engineering , physics , theoretical physics , engineering
Background Food portion sizes have increased in the U.S. which contributes to excess energy intake. Objective We determined the effect on body weight, energy intake, and dietary energy density of a portion control program (Lifesize®) that encourages free choice of foods, but limits portion sizes while allowing unlimited consumption of fruits, vegetables, and low‐ fat dairy. Methods 22 overweight and obese subjects (n= 19 females, n=3 males; X (SD) age= 40(12); X BMI= 30.0(2.4) kg/m 2 ) completed a 12‐week portion‐control program. Participants used measuring devices to limit quantities of energy‐dense foods. Body weights were recorded bi‐ weekly and 3‐day dietary records were collected at baseline, and weeks 1,6, and 12. Results Reported energy intake during the 12 weeks decreased by ~500 kcal/d compared to baseline, and mean weight loss was 2.4 kg. Relative intake of fruits and vegetables significantly increased from baseline at week 1 (X=+125.9 g/1000Kcal), week 6 (X= +80.7 g/1000Kcal), and week 12 (X= +192.6 g/1000Kcal). Despite free access to ‘favorite foods’, participants’ energy density (kcal/g food) was significantly decreased. Conclusion Including favorite foods while limiting portion sizes and allowing unlimited intake of fruit, vegetables and low‐fat dairy may be an effective approach to lowering dietary energy density to elicit weight loss. Funded by Lifesize®