A two-year randomized weight loss trial comparing a vegan diet to a more moderate low-fat diet.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The objective was to assess the effect of a low-fat, vegan diet compared with the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) diet on weight loss maintenance at 1 and 2 years.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES:

Sixty-four overweight, postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to a vegan or NCEP diet for 14 weeks, and 62 women began the study. The study was done in two replications. Participants in the first replication (N = 28) received no follow-up support after the 14 weeks, and those in the second replication (N = 34) were offered group support meetings for 1 year. Weight and diet adherence were measured at 1 and 2 years for all participants. Weight loss is reported as median (interquartile range) and is the difference from baseline weight at years 1 and 2.

RESULTS:

Individuals in the vegan group lost more weight than those in the NCEP group at 1 year [-4.9 (-0.5, -8.0) kg vs. -1.8 (0.8, -4.3); p < 0.05] and at 2 years [-3.1 (0.0, -6.0) kg vs. -0.8 (3.1, -4.2) kg; p < 0.05]. Those participants offered group support lost more weight at 1 year (p < 0.01) and 2 years (p < 0.05) than those without support. Attendance at meetings was associated with improved weight loss at 1 year (p < 0.001) and 2 years (p < 0.01).

DISCUSSION:

A vegan diet was associated with significantly greater weight loss than the NCEP diet at 1 and 2 years. Both group support and meeting attendance were associated with significant weight loss at follow-up.

• Authors: Gabrielle M Turner-McGrievy, Neal D Barnard, Anthony R Scialli
• Journal: Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) (Obesity (Silver Spring)) Vol. 15 Issue 9 Pg. 2276-81 (Sep 2007) ISSN: 1930-7381 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17890496 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Aged
• Body Weight
• Diet, Fat-Restricted (methods)
• Diet, Reducing (methods)
• Diet, Vegetarian
• Energy Intake
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Overweight (diet therapy)
• Postmenopause
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• Weight Loss