A dietary quality comparison of popular weight-loss plans.

Popular weight-loss plans often have conflicting recommendations, which makes it difficult to determine the most healthful approach to weight loss. Our study compares the dietary quality of popular weight-loss plans. Dietary quality, measured by the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), was calculated via sample menus provided in published media for the New Glucose Revolution, Weight Watchers, Atkins, South Beach, Zone, Ornish, and 2005 US Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid (2005 Food Guide Pyramid) plans.

Methodology for adding glycemic index and glycemic load values to 24-hour dietary recall database.

Objectives: We describe a method of adding the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) values to the nutrient database of the 24-hour dietary recall interview (24HR), a widely used dietary assessment. We also calculated daily GI and GL values from the 24HR.

Methods: Subjects were 641 healthy adults from central Massachusetts who completed 9067 24HRs.

Low-carbohydrate and high-fat intake among adult patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: This study examined baseline dietary intake, body weight, and physiologic status in patients enrolled in a dietary intervention for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: Dietary, physiologic, and demographic information were collected at baseline from 40 adult patients with poorly controlled T2DM (glycosylated hemoglobin >7%) who participated in a clinical trial at an academic medical center in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.

Results: The average age at enrollment was 53.

Predictors of weight status following laparoscopic gastric bypass.

Background: Weight loss after bariatric surgery varies and depends on many factors, such as time elapsed since surgery, baseline weight, and co-morbidities.

Methods: We analyzed weight data from 494 patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) by one surgeon at an academic institution between June 1999 and December 2004. Linear regression was used to identify factors in predicting % excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1 year.

Association between dietary fiber and serum C-reactive protein.

Background: High sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of acute inflammation recently recognized as an independent predictor of future cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The identification of modifiable factors, such as diet, that influence serum CRP concentrations may provide the means for reducing the risk of these diseases. Data on longitudinal associations between dietary fiber intake and CRP are currently lacking.

Association between carbohydrate intake and serum lipids.

Background: The effect of dietary carbohydrate on blood lipids has received considerable attention in light of the current trend in lowering carbohydrate intake for weight loss.

Objectives: To evaluate the association between carbohydrate intake and serum lipids.

Methods: Blood samples and 24-hour dietary and physical activity recall interviews were obtained from each subject at quarterly intervals for five consecutive quarters between 1994 and 1998 from 574 healthy adults in Central Massachusetts.