Increased Dietary Protein Helps Keep The Weight Off

Preliminary results from the Diogenes dietary intervention study clearly show that increased protein intake helps prevent weight regain after weight loss whilst a diet low in glycemic index (GI) shows no advantage.

The Diogenes Dietary Intervention Study (RTD1) preliminary results are being presented at a Pre-Congress of Obesity Satellite Symposium, Geneva 14 May by Professor Arne Astrup (Co-ordinator of Diogenes RTD1) and as a Hot Topic abstract by Marleen van Baak.

Professor Arne Astrup states: “The first results from the Diogenes dietary intervention study clearly show that increasing protein in the diet decreases weight regain after weight loss, whereas glycemic index foods did not play any detectable role.

Consequently, we conclude that increased protein content is important for prevention of weight regain, whereas a diet low in glycemic index foods provides no advantage.”

The preliminary results presented of the Diogenes study focus on the results from the 2 supermarket model study centres (at Copenhagen and Maastricht) where 205 adult subjects successfully completed an initial weight loss phase and six months of dietary intervention, during which time subjects had access to free food supplies at a supermarket provided by each Centre.

Professor Astrup continues: “The 6 month dietary intervention phase consisted of the 205 subjects randomised to one of 5 diets – high protein/low GI, high protein/ high GI, low protein/high GI, low protein/low GI and a control diet based on national guidelines. Analysis of our results shows a significant positive effect on controlling weight regain with high protein intake but no such effect with GI or interaction between protein and GI.

The feasibility and efficacy of these dietary changes where subjects did not have access to supermarkets but did have dietary instruction is currently being analysed in the 6 other centres participating in the study in Bulgaria, Crete, Czech Republic, German, Spain & UK.”

Professor Astrup concludes: “Most of us can lose weight if we set our minds to it – but we are not so good at keeping it off, a factor fuelling the current global obesity epidemic. The Diogenes study is designed to provide clear messages to European consumers on which diet is likely to be most successful for weight control – and our preliminary data point clearly to high protein intake rather than low or high GI food intake.”

The full results of the Diogenes project will be presented at the Diogenes satellite meeting 5/6 May 2009 as part of ECO 2009 in Amsterdam.