A 12-week, whole-food carbohydrate-restricted feasibility study in overweight children

Journal of Insulin Resistance

article

Caryn Zinn¹  Ole Schmiedel²  Julia McPhee¹  Nigel Harris¹  Micalla Williden¹  Mark Wheldon³  Diane Stride⁴  Grant Schofield¹ 

[1]Human Potential Centre, Auckland University of Technology

[2]Auckland District Health Board Diabetes Centre

[3]Department of Biostatistics, Auckland University of Technology

[4]Dietitian

关键词: whole-food;    low-carbohydrate;    healthy-fat;    lchf;    feasibility;    weight loss;   

DOI  :  10.4102/jir.v3i1.42

来源: AOSIS

【 摘 要 】

Background:  Childhood obesity is a global health concern. Conventional nutrition guidelines have come under scrutiny in helping to achieve long-term healthy weight. An alternative carbohydrate-restricted, higher fat approach has shown to be effective in adults, but research is limited in youth.   Aim:  To assess the feasibility of a 12-week whole-food, carbohydrate-restricted diet on weight loss and metabolic health.   Setting:  Overweight children aged 8–13 years.   Methods:  In this single-arm study, 25 overweight children were provided with whole-food, carbohydrate-restricted dietary guidelines. Primary outcomes – dietary acceptability, adherence and affordability – were assessed qualitatively weekly (telephone) and post-intervention (focus groups). Secondary outcomes – Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, lipids and glycaemic control measures – were assessed at 0 and 12 weeks. Change scores were analysed using the  t -statistic and interpreted using the statistical significance threshold,  p  < 0.05.   Results:  Overall, dietary acceptability was mostly positive, and reports of affordability by parents were mixed. Attrition rates were high (48%); adherence was influenced, positively and negatively, by levels of support from friends and family. Completing children reduced BMI by 2.1 ± 1.5 kg.m 2  ( p  < 0.05). Key blood parameter changes included a reduction in triglycerides (−0.17 ± 0.48 mmol/L;  p  = 0.242) and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (0.24 ± 0.19 mmol/L;  p  < 0.05).   Conclusion:  Children achieved some weight loss and health outcome success using this dietary approach. For sustainable weight loss maintenance, full family and health professional support, particularly on a more intensive level at the start, may be required.

【 授权许可】

CC BY