Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Diet Quality in Response to a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention

Abstract

PURPOSE: Fruit and vegetable consumption has been recommended as part of a healthy diet. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the change in fruit and vegetable consumption and measures of diet quality within the context of a 12 month behavioral weight loss intervention. METHODS: Participants were 151 women classified as overweight or obese (age=38.0±5.5 years; BMI=32.6±4.2 kg/m2) who completed a 12-month behavioral weight loss intervention. Participants received weekly contact that included a combination of group sessions and brief telephone calls, prescribed calorie-restricted diet, and physical activity. The calorie-restricted diet was prescribed at 1200 or 1500 calories per day, with no specific recommendations related to fruit and vegetable intake. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Daily servings of fruits and vegetables were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Calories consumed per serving of fruits and vegetables was computed as a measure of diet quality. RESULTS: Weight loss was 8.4±4.7 kg at 6 months and 8.1±6.9 kg at 12 months (p<0.001). Total daily energy intake decreased at 6 (-626±1011 kcal/d) and 12 months (-656±1015 kcal/d) (p<0.001). Median [25th, 75th percentile] fruit and vegetable intake increased from 3.6 [2.5, 5.2] servings at baseline to 5.1 [3.3, 7.3] and 4.4 [2.7, 6.2] (p<0.001) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Median calories per serving of fruit and vegetables decreased from 577.9 [405.0, 775.8] at baseline to 288.2 [202.4, 417.4] and 332.4 [227.3, 490.4] (p<0.001) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Servings of and calories per fruits and vegetables, were not significantly correlated with weight change at either 6 or 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Within the context of a behavioral weight loss program, a prescribed energy-restricted diet also resulted in an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption and diet quality. However, fruit and vegetable consumption and diet quality were not associated with weight loss. While these components of diet may not improve weight loss, adults with obesity may realize other health benefits from the change in diet that warrant investigation.