Moderate Weight Loss: A Self-directed Protocol for Women

Publication: Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
18 February 2008

Abstract

This innovative, self-directed diet and physical activity program was designed to achieve moderate weight loss in women. Thirty-five overweight or obese hyperlipidemic women completed a 20-week weight loss study. The weight loss intervention consisted of a 20% decrease in energy intake through diet and a 10% increase in energy expenditure through physical activity. The diet consisted of 50-60% carbohydrates, 20% protein, and 20-30% fat. A personal trainer prescribed physical activity regimens. A progress-tracking system and monthly group sessions were used to maintain participant motivation throughout the weight loss period. Participants lost an average of 11.7 ± 2.5 kg (p<0.001). The pattern of weight loss was linear (p<0.001) throughout the study period. Average weight loss per week was 0.59 ± 0.55 kg. This 20-week program, combining a structured self-selected diet and independent preplanned physical activity with motivational strategies, resulted in weight loss comparable to that observed in more controlled interventions. The lower cost, ease of use, and outcome success make this approach potentially useful in a clinical setting.

Résumé

Ce programme novateur et autodirigé combinant régime alimentaire et activité physique avait pour but de réaliser une perte de poids modérée chez des femmes. Au total, 35 femmes souffrant d’embonpoint ou obèses et hyperlipidémiques ont participé à l’étude de 20 semaines. L’intervention consistait à diminuer de 20% l’apport d’énergie alimentaire et à augmenter de 10% la dépense d’énergie par l’activité physique. Le régime alimentaire renfermait 50 à 60% de glucides, 20% de protéines et 20 à 30% de matières grasses. Un entraîneur personnel a prescrit les programmes d’activité physique. Un système de suivi des progrès et une session de groupe mensuelle ont servi à maintenir la motivation pendant toute la période d’amaigrissement. Les participantes ont perdu en moyenne 11,7 ± 2,5 kg (p<0,001). Le profil de perte de poids était linéaire (p<0,001) pendant toute la durée de l’étude. La perte de poids moyenne hebdomadaire se chiffrait à 0,59 ± 0,55 kg. Le programme de 20 semaines, combinant un régime alimentaire structuré librement choisi et des exercices physiques personnalisés et préplanifiés accompagnés de stratégies de motivation, a entraîné une perte de poids comparable à celle observée dans des interventions plus contrôlées. Le faible coût, la facilité d’utilisation et les résultats encourageants rendent cette approche potentiellement utile en milieu clinique.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

cover image Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Volume 69Number 1March 2008
Pages: 23 - 27

History

Version of record online: 18 February 2008

Authors

Affiliations

Sylvia Santosa, PhD
School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC
Isabelle Demonty, PhD, PDt
School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC
Peter J.H. Jones, PhD
School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC
Alice H. Lichtenstein, DSc
Jean Mayer USDA HNRCA at Tufts University, Boston, MA

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