Comparing advice to decrease both dietary fat and sucrose, or dietary fat only, on weight loss, weight maintenance and perceived quality of life

Abstract

This study compared two types of dietary advice on weight loss, weight maintenance and quality of life in Scottish women. One hundred and twenty-six overweight/obese sedentary women were randomly assigned to either: Group 1, reduced energy, fat and sucrose; Group 2, reduced energy and fat only; or Group 3, control. Subjects were followed up at 3 months and for a further 6 months weight maintenance. Groups 1 and 2 reported a decrease in energy intake, percentage energy fat, and increase in percentage energy total carbohydrate and protein (P < 0.001). Group 1 reduced percentage energy sucrose at 3 months (P < 0.001) but not at 9 months. Groups 1 and 2 lost body weight (2.81 kg [standard error of the mean, 0.406] and 2.6 kg [standard error of the mean, 0.506], respectively), body fat (P < 0.01) and reported increased quality of life (P < 0.05). Group 2 reported more positive changes. Both interventions were successful for weight reduction, and were maintained medium term. The associated increase in quality of life may be indicative of longer term compliance, predicting successful weight maintenance.