Using restrictive messages to limit high-fat foods or nonrestrictive messages to increase fruit and vegetable intake: what works better for postmenopausal women?

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010 Feb;64(2):194-202. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2009.135. Epub 2009 Nov 25.

Abstract

Background/objectives: To compare the effects of two dietary approaches on changes in dietary intakes and body weight: (1) an approach emphasizing nonrestrictive messages directed toward the inclusion of fruits and vegetables (HIFV) and (2) another approach using restrictive messages to limit high-fat foods (LOFAT).

Subjects/methods: A total of 68 overweight-obese postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to one of the two dietary approaches. The 6-month dietary intervention included three group sessions and ten individual sessions with a dietitian. Dietary food intake and anthropometric variables were measured at baseline, at 3 months and at 6 months.

Results: Energy density decreased in both groups after the intervention compared with baseline (HIFV, -0.3+/-0.2 kcal/g; LOFAT, -0.3+/-0.3 kcal/g; P<0.0001). Although body weight decreased significantly in both groups after the intervention compared with baseline (HIFV, -1.6+/-2.9 kg; LOFAT, -3.5+/-2.9 kg; P<0.0001), women in the LOFAT group lost significantly more body weight than women in the HIFV group (P=0.01). In the HIFV group, the decrease in energy density was found to be an independent predictor of body weight loss.

Conclusions: The LOFAT approach induces more weight loss than does the HIFV approach in our sample of overweight-obese postmenopausal women.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Body Weight
  • Diet, Reducing*
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage
  • Energy Intake*
  • Female
  • Fruit
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / diet therapy*
  • Postmenopause
  • Vegetables
  • Weight Loss*

Substances

  • Dietary Fats