The Dieting Dilemma in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: Does Dietary Restraint Predict Weight Gain 4 Years After Diagnosis?

Objective: To examine whether dieting-restriction of food intake for the purpose of weight control-suppresses or promotes excessive food intake and weight gain. Design: A 4-year follow-up study of a dietary intervention in a sample of 97 patients with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes. Main Outcome Measures: Weight gain, change in body mass index (measured weight in kilograms divided by measured height squared), and intake of energy, as measured with a food frequency questionnaire, were assessed in relation to dietary restraint and tendency to overeat (emotionally or externally induced overeating), as assessed with the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Results: Tendency to overeat at diagnosis and not dietary restraint was associated with weight gain and intake of energy 4 years after diagnosis. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the success of a dietary intervention can be predicted by a subject's tendency toward overeating. The possibility of matched treatment of obesity is discussed on the basis of the distinction between patients with a low versus a high tendency to overeat.