Mixed Tree Nut Snacks Compared to Refined Carbohydrate Snacks Resulted in Weight Loss and Increased Satiety during Both Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance: A 24-Week Randomized Controlled Trial.

Jing Wang,Sijia Wang,David Heber,Susanne M Henning,Jianjun Huang,Yajing Pan,Zhaoping Li,Tianyu Qin,Chi-Hong Tseng,Jieping Yang

doi:10.3390/nu13051512

Abstract

Mixed tree nuts (MTNs) are an excellent source of protein and healthy fat contributing to satiety. However, their relatively high caloric content might not be beneficial in a weight loss diet. The present study was designed to test whether including MTNs in a weight loss and maintenance program interferes with weight management compared to a refined carbohydrate pretzel snack (PS). We performed a randomized, controlled, two-arm study in 95 overweight individuals consuming 1.5 oz of MTNs or PS daily as part of a hypocaloric weight loss diet (−500 kcal) over 12 weeks followed by an isocaloric weight maintenance program for 12 weeks. Participants in both groups experienced significant weight loss (12 weeks: −1.6 and −1.9 and 24 weeks: −1.5 and −1.4 kg) compared to baseline in the MTN and PS groups, respectively. However, there was no difference in weight loss and other outcome parameters between the MTN and PS groups. The MTN group showed a significant increase in satiety at 24 weeks. Both groups had a decrease in diastolic blood pressure at 12 weeks. Participants in the MTN group showed significant decreases in heart rate at 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Plasma oleic acid was significantly increased at 12 and 24 weeks in the MTN group but only at 12 weeks in the PS group. Plasma MCP-1 was decreased significantly in the MTN group at 4 weeks. In summary, participants in both groups lost weight, but only the MTN intervention increased satiety at 24 weeks, enhanced retention, decreased heart rate, and increased serum oleic acid at 24 weeks.

Highlights

Overweight and obesity in the United States and other industrialized and developing countries represent a significant and growing health problem [1,2]
The dropout rate was significantly lower in the Mixed tree nuts (MTNs)
There was no significant difference in body weight and body mass index (BMI) between the MTN and pretzel snack (PS) groups

Summary

Introduction

Overweight and obesity in the United States and other industrialized and developing countries represent a significant and growing health problem [1,2]. Individuals who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes (T2D), and metabolic syndrome. Calorie-controlled diets have routinely been demonstrated to help with both short- and long-term weight reduction in individuals who are overweight or obese [3]. It is important for individuals who are following weight loss programs to maintain healthy nutritional patterns and maintain or improve their dietary quality. Nuts might play a significant role as part of a healthy weight loss program and help individuals improve their dietary quality and lower their risk of chronic diseases such as CHD, T2D, and metabolic syndrome. Prospective cohort studies (Adventist Health Study and Nurses’ Health Study II) showed significant inverse associations between the frequency of nut consumption and BMI [7,8], whereas no relation was reported in the Physicians’

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion