Weight loss effects from vegetable intake: a 12-month randomised controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Dietary Interventions
• Weight Management

Background:

• Evidence on vegetable intake's impact on weight loss is limited.
• This study assessed the effect of increased vegetable consumption on weight loss outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of higher vegetable intake on weight loss in overweight adults.
• To determine if increased vegetable consumption influences weight loss sustainability and cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Methods:

• A 12-month single-blind parallel controlled trial involving 120 overweight adults.
• Participants were randomized into two groups receiving healthy diet advice with differing vegetable portion sizes.
• Weight loss and changes in metabolic markers were analyzed using intention-to-treat and linear mixed models.

Main Results:

• Both groups achieved sustained weight loss of 6.5±5.2 kg over 12 months, with no significant difference between groups.
• Increased vegetable intake correlated with greater short-term weight loss.
• Improvements in fasting glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol were observed in both groups.

Conclusions:

• A healthy low-energy diet promotes sustained weight loss and improves cardiovascular risk factors, irrespective of vegetable emphasis.
• Higher vegetable proportion may enhance short-term weight loss and dietary satisfaction.
• The dietary pattern appears sustainable for long-term weight management.