Responses to two weight-loss programs based on approximating the diet to the ideal: differences associated with increased cereal or vegetable consumption

The fight against excess weight and obesity is a health priority. The aim of this study was to analyze the anthropometric changes induced by two weight control programs based on approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal (increasing the consumption of foods with the largest differences between the recommended and observed intakes: cereals and vegetables - for which a minimum of 6 and 3 servings/day are recommended, respectively). The study subjects were 57 Spanish women with a body-mass index (BMI) of 24-35 kg/m2, all of whom were randomly assigned to one of two slightly hypocaloric diets for a six-week period: diet V, in which the consumption of greens and vegetables was increased, or diet C, in which the consumption of cereals was increased. Dietetic and anthropometric data were collected at the start of the study and again at two and six weeks. The dietary intervention approximated the subjects' energy provision from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to those recommended. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) improved with both diets. Reductions in body weight, BMI, and the amount of body fat (kg) were also achieved with both diets. Weight loss was 1.56 +/- 0.93 kg and 1.02 +/- 0.55 kg at two weeks with diet C and V respectively, and 2.8 +/- 1.4 kg and 2.0 +/- 1.3 kg at six weeks (p < 0.05). Approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal by increasing the consumption of vegetables or cereals may therefore be of use in weight control. In terms of weight loss and the improvement of the diet quality (energy profile and HEI), diet C was significantly more effective than diet V.