Abstract
BackgroundBetter diet quality has been associated with less weight gain over time. However, few studies have examined the role of diet quality during weight loss. This study aimed to compare changes in diet quality in overweight/obese adults during a weight loss intervention, and determine whether an association between diet quality score and weight loss exists.MethodsOverweight or obese (BMI 25-40 kg/m2) adults, aged 18–60 years, were recruited from the Hunter Region of NSW, Australia and randomized to one of three groups: a standard online weight loss program (n = 94); an enhanced version of this online program that provided additional personalized feedback and reminders (n = 98); or a wait-list control group (n = 97). Diet quality was calculated using the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS) with dietary data from the Australian Eating Survey (AES) Food Frequency Questionnaire at baseline and 12-weeks.ResultsThe basic and enhanced groups lost significantly more weight than the control group after 12 weeks (basic -2.2 ± 3.4 kg, enhanced -3.0 ± 4.0 kg, control 0.4 ± 2.4 kg, P < 0.001) with no difference between the basic and enhanced groups. The mean change in ARFS in the enhanced group (2.2 ± 5.7) was significantly higher (P = 0.03) than the control group. There were no significant differences in change in ARFS between the enhanced and basic, or basic and control groups. The ARFS and the fruit, meat, wholegrain, dairy and water sub-scale scores at 12 weeks were significantly associated with greater weight loss (P < 0.05).ConclusionsDiet quality improved significantly in the enhanced group compared to controls following 12-weeks intervention. Furthermore, higher diet quality was associated with greater weight loss.Trial RegistrationACTRN12610000197033.
Highlights
Better diet quality has been associated with less weight gain over time
The present study found that higher diet quality scores at 12 weeks were associated with greater percentage weight loss
We have demonstrated that an enhanced web-based weight loss intervention can significantly improve diet quality
Summary
Better diet quality has been associated with less weight gain over time. few studies have examined the role of diet quality during weight loss. This study aimed to compare changes in diet quality in overweight/obese adults during a weight loss intervention, and determine whether an association between diet quality score and weight loss exists. Excess body weight increases chronic disease risk, including type 2 diabetes, gall bladder disease, heart disease and some cancers, such as cancer of the kidney, colon, Diet quality may influence the development of overweight and obesity. A recent systematic review of prospective cohort studies found a strong association between poor diet quality and greater weight gain [15] in both men and women. In a cohort of 2,245 adult men and women, those who achieved a lower Diet Quality Index gained more weight over eight years compared to those with higher scores [16]. Several studies have found that higher diet quality is inversely related to chronic disease risk, all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality [17,18], including CVD and cancer risk
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