Protein-sparing modified fast versus the LighterLife
Programme VLCD
Low-carbohydrate/high-protein diet versus the
LighterLife Total VLCD
The first published data from a randomised
controlled trial by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, sponsored
by LighterLife, shows that during the screening period, 85% of
participants failed to achieve >5% weight loss on a low-fat, 600
kcal-deficit diet. This suggests the need for a wide variety of
dietary approaches to weight loss.
The article, published in the September 2009
issue of the Journal of Diabetes, also reported greater weight loss
and improved cardiovascular risk were achieved with the LighterLife
Total VLCD (formerly known as the LighterLife Programme VLCD)
compared with a low-carbohydrate/high-protein (LCHP) diet and a 600
kcal deficient diet.
Significantly greater improvement in total
cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, fasting glucose and diastolic blood
pressure was seen at three months in patients on the LighterLife
Total VLCD compared with the LCHP, although these differences were
no longer significant at nine months, with the exception of fasting
glucose.
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Trial details
The aim of the trial is to establish and
compare the weight-loss results and health benefits associated with
different weight-management methods. It has been running since
February 2005 and two-year follow-ups will conclude by November
2009.
120 patients with a BMI of 35 or over engaged
in an initial period of healthy eating with a 600 kcal
deficient diet. Those who did not achieve a 5% loss of total body
weight (TBW) at three months or a 10% TBW at six months were
then randomised to receive either the LighterLife Total
VLCD or the LCHP. 72 patients were randomised with n=35
allocated to LighterLife Total VLCD and n=37 allocated to
LCHP.
The data for the investigated parameters for
this study on renal function affiliated with weight loss and BMI
reduction will be reported on following peer review and
authorisation for use from the authors shortly for
the nine-month data. It is hoped that improvement from
baseline in cardiovascular and renal function will be verified at
two-year follow-up visits due to conclude in late 2009 while using
the LighterLife Total VLCD.