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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2014 Jul;68(7):778-85.
doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2014.39. Epub 2014 Mar 26.

Weight loss effects from vegetable intake: a 12-month randomised controlled trial

L C Tapsell  1 , M J Batterham  1 , R L Thorne  1 , J E O'Shea  1 , S J Grafenauer  1 , Y C Probst  1
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Free PMC article
Randomized Controlled Trial

Weight loss effects from vegetable intake: a 12-month randomised controlled trial

L C Tapsell et al. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014 Jul.
Free PMC article

Abstract

Background/objectives: Direct evidence for the effects of vegetable intake on weight loss is qualified. The study aimed to assess the effect of higher vegetable consumption on weight loss.

Subjects/methods: A single blind parallel controlled trial was conducted with 120 overweight adults (mean body mass index=29.98 kg/m(2)) randomised to two energy deficit healthy diet advice groups differing only by doubling the serving (portion) sizes of vegetables in the comparator group. Data were analysed as intention-to-treat using a linear mixed model. Spearmans rho bivariate was used to explore relationships between percentage energy from vegetables and weight loss.

Results: After 12 months, the study sample lost 6.5±5.2 kg (P<0.001 time) with no difference between groups (P>0.05 interaction). Both groups increased vegetable intake and lost weight in the first 3 months, and the change in weight was significantly correlated with higher proportions of energy consumed as vegetables (rho=-0.217, P=0.024). Fasting glucose, insulin and triglyceride levels decreased (P<0.001 time) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased (P<0.001 time), with no difference between groups. Weight loss was sustained for 12 months by both groups, but the comparator group reported greater hunger satisfaction (P=0.005).

Conclusions: Advice to consume a healthy low-energy diet leads to sustained weight loss, with reductions in cardiovascular disease risk factors regardless of an emphasis on more vegetables. In the short term, consuming a higher proportion of the dietary energy as vegetables may support a greater weight loss and the dietary pattern appears sustainable.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Enrolment, randomisation and follow-up of study participants.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Vegetable intake expressed as a proportion of total energy intake from baseline to 12 months.
Figure 3
Figure 3
(a) Relationship between change in weight and change in vegetable intake as % of total energy intake at 3 months. (b) Relationship between change in weight and change in vegetable intake as % of total energy intake at 3 months.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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