Summary:
In adults with type 2 diabetes who achieved initial weight loss following lifestyle intervention, sustained adherence to healthier dietary patterns (e.g., DASH, diets high in fruits, vegetables, and fish) significantly reduced the risk of weight regain over three years compared to those whose diets shifted toward lower quality patterns (high-fat animal protein, low-fiber grains, and increased sweets), though it was associated with sex-specific differences in sweet consumption trends.
| PICO | Description |
|---|---|
| Population | 552 adults (mean age 60 ± 1.0 years; mean BMI 33.8 ± 0.4 kg/m²) with type 2 diabetes from the Look AHEAD trial who achieved ≥7% weight loss after one year and completed 4-year follow-up assessments. |
| Intervention | Sustained adherence to high-quality dietary patterns from Year 1 to Year 4, measured via DASH score and principal component analysis (Pattern 1: vegetables, fruits, fish). |
| Comparison | Participants who experienced shifts toward lower-quality diets (decreased DASH scores and Pattern 1 scores; increased intake of Pattern 2 foods: low-fiber grains, high-fat animal proteins, and sweets). |
| Outcome | Participants who regained ≥50% of initial weight loss (WLR) showed greater declines in DASH diet adherence and vegetable/fruit/fish intake (Pattern 1), and increased consumption of high-fat, low-fiber foods (Pattern 2). Sex differences emerged, with WLR women and WLM men increasing sweet intake over time. Overall, dietary pattern degradation was strongly linked with weight regain risk. |
Source: Mary Catherine Prater, et al. “Dietary Patterns During Weight Loss Maintenance vs. Weight Regain: A Secondary Analysis of the Look AHEAD Trial.” Read article here.
