The Legume Inflammation Feeding Experiment (LIFE): Weight Loss Effects

Abstract

The LIFE study was a randomized controlled crossover feeding experiment intended to assess the effects of a low‐glycemic legume‐rich diet on biomarkers of inflammation and insulin resistance (IR). Sixty‐four male participants (35‐75 yrs) were recruited from Central Pennsylvania and divided into 4 possible groups: IR (Y or N) and history of adenomatous polyps (Y or N). All participants consumed a legume diet (LG; 1 1/2 cup cooked dry beans) and an average American diet (AA), each for four weeks split by a 3‐week washout interlude. A total of 44 of the subjects completed the required two dietary periods and then completed an optional 4‐week weight‐loss period. During the weight loss period we tested whether the legume rich diet would facilitate weight loss. Subjects were asked to consume the bean‐containing foods but were able to eliminate other foods. For the weight loss period, incipient mean BMI (±S.D.) was 29.04 (3.39). Initial results indicate a mean change in BMI of 1.36 (1.01) accounting for a 5.09% decrease in BMI with a significant difference over the dietary period (P=0.0001). Mean change in BMI was calculated for each of the classifications and proved to be significantly different from across strata (P= 0.0033). Those participants experiencing the most weight loss (> 5.2kg) also experienced a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol (TC) and LDL cholesterol (LDL‐C) (P=0.0345 and 0.001, respectively). Results indicate that the legume‐rich diet may have favorable effects on weight‐loss among individuals at high risk for colon cancer. Supported by the National Cancer Institute; partial support provided by the GCRC, PSU.