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Energy Density and Adherence as Predictors of Weight Loss in the POUNDS LOST Study
Author(s) -
Champagne Catherine,
Burton Jeffrey,
DeCesare Laura,
Johnson Callie,
Talbot Grace,
Sacks Frank,
Bray George
Publication year - 2015
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.29.1_supplement.117.5
Subject(s) - weight loss , energy density , medicine , weight change , zoology , body weight , african american , gerontology , demography , obesity , biology , history , ethnology , physics , sociology , theoretical physics
The composition of the best weight loss diet continues to be controversial. The POUNDS LOST Trial studied 4 diet treatments containing low or high fat (LF, HF) and average or high protein (AP, HP). Participants (n=811) from sites in Boston and Baton Rouge were randomized and 50% completed extensive dietary interviews. The purpose of this study was to review energy density associated with weight loss considering all foods and beverages and to evaluate weight loss relative to adherence. Energy density was calculated as kcal/g of food and beverages. Adherence was defined as consuming within ±5% of both fat and protein content of the prescribed diet. Weight loss and dietary data were evaluated at 6 and 24 months (6M, 24M) among adherers and non‐adherers. Overall, a reduction in energy density was associated with weight loss regardless of diet group (p=0.0176). While there were not significant differences in mean weight change across the diet groups, there were significant effects of change in energy density on change in weight within the HP/LF (p=0.0249) and AP/HF (p=0.0146) diet groups. Weight loss among adherers was greater than non‐adherers at 6M for the HP/LF (p=0.0155) and AP/HF (p=0.0008), but not significantly different for the other two diet groups. The LF group had the highest percentage of adhering participants at 6M, but the lowest at 24M suggesting LF diets may be more difficult to follow. Energy density appears to be related to weight loss though weight loss did not appear to be different among the groups. Especially at 6 months, greater weight loss is associated with greater adherence, but weight loss will continue if adherence is sustained.