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Dietary energy density and weight regulation
1Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
Nutrition Reviews
|August 24, 2001
Summary
Low energy density (ED) foods enhance satiety and reduce calorie intake. Diets low in fat and high in fiber are most effective for weight loss, promoting significant body mass reduction over time.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Human Physiology
- Dietary Studies
Background:
- Dietary energy density (ED) is a key factor influencing energy intake and regulation.
- Understanding how ED affects hunger, satiety, and body weight is crucial for weight management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize findings on the impact of dietary ED on energy intake, hunger, satiety, and body weight.
- To compare the effectiveness of different methods for manipulating dietary ED (e.g., fat, fiber, water, sweeteners).
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published studies on dietary energy density.
- Analysis of short-term and long-term studies examining effects on energy intake and body weight.
- Comparison of ED manipulation strategies: fat only, fat and fiber, water, and sweeteners.
Main Results:
- Low-ED foods increase satiety, reduce hunger, and decrease energy intake in the short term.
- Low-ED diets lead to moderate weight loss in long-term studies.
- Diets low in fat and high in fiber resulted in significantly greater weight loss (-3.4 kg) compared to diets low in fat only (-1.0 kg) over 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Dietary energy density significantly influences appetite regulation and body weight.
- Low-fat, high-fiber diets appear most effective for promoting substantial weight loss.
- Further research is warranted on the role of water and sweeteners in modifying dietary ED and its effects.