Objective. The vast majority of diets are not only multicomponent but also restrictive. Dietary fiber or protein can reduce hunger and enhance satiety; they also exert clinical benefits. We examined feasibility and acceptability of a non-restrictive diet combining the two for weight loss.
Population and Methods. Fifteen patients were enrolled in the trial (2 men, 13 women, mean age=48 y and mean BMI = 36 kg/m2) to attend 6 bi-weekly individual counselling sessions for the diet during the 12-week study period. The goals of the intervention were to attain a daily goal of higher fiber (\u3e35g)/ and lean protein (120g). 24-hour diet recalls and body weight were collected at baseline, 6- and 12-week assessments.
Results. All participants completed 6-week assessment, one participant dropped from the study before 12-week assessment. At 12 weeks, 93% of participants liked the diet much/very much, 92% were very/extremely confident in adhering to the diet and 85% did not feel hungry on the diet. Mean fiber intake increased by 9.4 g/day (95% CI: 5.9, 12.8) at 6 weeks, and by 6.9 g/day (CI: 3.3, 10.5) at 12 weeks. Protein intake increased by a mean of 13.7 g/day (CI: 4.8, 22.6) at 6 weeks, and by 6.0 g/day (CI: -3.3, 15.3) at 12 weeks. % of calories from saturated fat decreased by 2.0% (CI: 0.5, 3.4) at 6 weeks and by 2.7% (CI: 0.5, 3.4) at 12 weeks. Alternative Healthy Eating Index score increased by 9.7 (CI: 5.3, 14.0) at 6 weeks and by 6.1 (CI: 1.5, 10.7) at 12 weeks. Mean weight loss was -2.7 lbs (CI: -4.9, 0.6) at 6 weeks and -4.7 lbs (CI: -8.0, -1.4) at 12 weeks.
Conclusion. Participants liked the diet prescribed, and significantly increased their fiber and lean protein intake, resulting in significant weight loss with improvement to dietary quality
