Low Reporting of Negative Side Effects on the Step I and Step II NCEP Diets

Abstract

Men and women (n=428) participating in a worksite diet intervention study for hyperlipidemia (LDL-cholesterol > 75th %ile) were asked prior to being taught a Step II NCEP Diet (in 8 weekly sessions) to complete a questionnaire regarding possible negative side effects related to changing to a low fat diet. We found no significant differences between men's and women's ability to follow a low fat diet (using NCEP criteria for total fat, saturated fat, and dietary cholesterol) at 3 months post class (p=.30). The categories of negative side effects were bloating/gas/GI symptoms, diarrhea/frequent stools, constipation, dry/itching skin, headaches, hunger, weakness/fatigue, and trouble sleeping. Participants were asked to select between none/once, occasionally, or daily. At 3 months after class, there were no significant differences in reported negative side effects between participants who met the Step II guidelines (n=201), based on 4-day food records, and those who only met the Step I guidelines (n= 135) or a higher fat diet (n=92) (p= 0.14 to 0.59). Similar results were seen at 6 months post class. Some participants also expressed feelings of improvement in their well-being such as more energy and feeling less tired. Future symptoms investigators might consider including these types of questions in their surveys. We conclude that following the Step I or II NCEP Diet guidelines does not significantly induce negative side effects.