Using restrictive messages to limit high-fat foods or nonrestrictive messages to increase fruit and vegetable intake: what works better for postmenopausal women

Background/Objectives: To compare the effects of two dietary approaches on changes in dietary intakes and body weight: (1) an approach emphasizing nonrestrictive messages directed toward the inclusion of fruits and vegetables (HIFV) and (2) another approach using restrictive messages to limit high-fat foods (LOFAT). Subjects/Methods: A total of 68 overweight–obese postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to one of the two dietary approaches. The 6-month dietary intervention included three group sessions and ten individual sessions with a dietitian. Dietary food intake and anthropometric variables were measured at baseline, at 3 months and at 6 months. Results: Energy density decreased in both groups after the intervention compared with baseline (HIFV, −0.3±0.2 kcal/g; LOFAT, −0.3±0.3 kcal/g; P