11/06/2018 / By Michelle Simmons
People trying to lose weight do not have to starve themselves just to shed off some extra pounds. Obesity and nutrition researchers at University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) are suggesting that people who want to lose weight should increase their dietary fiber and lean protein intake instead of limiting their food intake.
This suggestion comes after the team looked at the feasibility and acceptability among obese adults of a nonrestrictive diet focused on increasing dietary fiber and lean protein for weight loss. In the pilot study published in the journal Nutrition, they enrolled 15 obese adults who underwent dietary changes to lose weight for 12 weeks. The participants aimed to consume 35 grams (g) of fiber per day and 0.6 g per kilogram of an individual’s ideal body weight per day of lean protein. They also attended six bi-weekly individual dietary counseling sessions.
The researchers evaluated dietary intake using three randomly selected 24-hour dietary recalls, while they determined feasibility by study retention, attendance at the counseling sessions, and adherence to the diet. (Related: Chickpeas are high in protein and fiber, making them an excellent dietary staple.)
“We chose increased dietary fiber and lean protein because they exert cardiovascular health benefits in addition to weight loss. While many diets can result in short-term weight loss, a sustainable, high-quality diet will contribute to long-term health benefits,” explained study co-author Barbara Olendzki, associate professor of medicine and director of the UMMS Center for Applied Nutrition.
The results revealed that 93 percent of the participants approved of the diet and 92 percent said they did not feel hungry at all. Out of the 15 participants, one dropped out from the study.
As the participants increased their lean protein intake, their saturated fat intake decreased. In addition, increasing fiber and lean protein consumption improved their overall nutritional profiles. Furthermore, this resulted in modest weight loss without restricting their food intake or counting calories.
“We are encouraged that weight loss did occur without the need for caloric awareness,” said senior author Yunsheng Ma, associate professor of medicine.
Moreover, the participants’ dietary quality score, which was measured by the Alternative Healthy Eating Index, increased. This means that their risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and death from all causes decreased.
The researchers plan to expand their study and explore ways to keep patients motivated to stay on the diet beyond 12 months. They hope that the extended timeframe will cause more weight loss and prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The National Health Service (NHS) of the U.K. suggests some tips that will help you lose weight:
Read more news stories and studies on weight loss by going to Slender.news.
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Tagged Under: diet, dietary changes, fiber, lean protein, nonrestrictive diet, obesity, weight, weight loss