Increased dietary fiber is associated with weight loss among Full Plate Living program participants

IntroductionPrior studies have demonstrated that an intake of foods rich in dietary fiber is associated with a favorable impact on health status and body weight. However, the association between fiber intake and weight loss has not been well-studied in employer settings. This research aimed to assess the relationship between dietary fiber and weight loss among individuals participating in the Full Plate Living (FPL) program.MethodsThe 16-week plant-predominant fiber-rich eating program was delivered to 72 employers, primarily in the Southwest U.S., over 3 years (2017–2019). Participants received weekly video lessons, FPL materials, and additional online resources. A retrospective analysis of repeated measures was conducted using participant data obtained from 4,477 participants, of which 2,792 (62.5%) reduced body weight. Analysis of variance with post hoc analysis was used to assess the statistical significance of the changes between baseline and follow-up measures of dietary fiber intake in each of the food categories, specifically the relationship between changes in individual and combined (composite) daily servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts on body weight measures among three groups at follow-up: those who lost, maintained, or gained weight. Multilevel modeling was used to test the hypothesis that increased intake of fiber was associated with greater weight loss.ResultsThe mean weight loss for the weight loss group was 3.28 kg. As compared to the two other groups, the intake of whole fiber-rich foods at follow-up was significantly higher among the weight loss group with fruits (2.45 servings), vegetables (2.99 servings), beans (1.03 servings), and total fiber composites (9.07 servings; P < 0.001). A significant increase in servings of grains was also noted (P < 0.05). Multilevel modeling demonstrated that a higher total fiber composite (Model 1), as well as higher intakes of either vegetables or fruits (Model 2), resulted in greater weight loss.DiscussionOur findings indicate that the FPL program can be a part of a lifestyle medicine approach to healthy eating and weight loss. Delivering the program in clinical, community, and workplace settings can increase its reach as an effective and low-cost offering

Effect of PEGDE addition on rheological and mechanical properties of bisphenol E cyanate ester

Cyanate esters are a group of resins with exceptional thermal and mechanical properties and are often blended with lower cost epoxy resins. These blends are often brittle, and a toughening method, such as the addition of soft segments, is necessary. Poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether, or PEGDE, was added to bisphenol E cyanate ester as a toughening agent. PEGDE was added at loadings of 0–30 wt %, and rheological and mechanical properties were analyzed after curing. As PEGDE loading was increased, the gel point increased accordingly while the activation energy of gelation decreased, indicating PEGDE accelerated the gelation process. Dynamic mechanical analysis results indicated a decrease in glass transition temperature as the PEGDE loading increased. Three-point bending tests yielded similar toughness to the neat BECy at low PEGDE loadings, with a dramatic increase at loadings of 25 and 30 wt % PEGDE

Effect of PEGDE addition on rheological and mechanical properties of bisphenol E cyanate ester

Cyanate esters are a group of resins with exceptional thermal and mechanical properties and are often blended with lower cost epoxy resins. These blends are often brittle, and a toughening method, such as the addition of soft segments, is necessary. Poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether, or PEGDE, was added to bisphenol E cyanate ester as a toughening agent. PEGDE was added at loadings of 0–30 wt %, and rheological and mechanical properties were analyzed after curing. As PEGDE loading was increased, the gel point increased accordingly while the activation energy of gelation decreased, indicating PEGDE accelerated the gelation process. Dynamic mechanical analysis results indicated a decrease in glass transition temperature as the PEGDE loading increased. Three-point bending tests yielded similar toughness to the neat BECy at low PEGDE loadings, with a dramatic increase at loadings of 25 and 30 wt % PEGDE.X. Sheng, R. Hanus, A. Bauer, M. R. Kessler: Effect of PEGDE Addition on Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Bisphenol E Cyanate Ester, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2013, 130, 463-469. DOI: 10.1002/app.39118