While greater weight loss is achieved from combined attention to diet, exercise and behavioural support, early success appears to predict better adherence to interventions and greater long term weight loss 1,2. The aim of this study was to report on the relative success of individualised dietary advice versus general advice on early weight loss achievements in a 12 month intervention.
In the HealthTrack trial3, 377 mostly obese adults (BMI 32 (29-35) kg/m2 ) were randomised to one of three weight loss interventions: interdisciplinary care incorporating individualised dietary advice, with (n=102) or without (n=99) a healthy food sample (30g walnuts/day) or control (general dietary guidelines advice)(n=95), delivered at 0,1,2,3,6,9,12 months. The clinically relevant target for weight loss was 5%.After 3 months more than 3 times the number of participants had reached 5% weight loss in the intervention arms compared to the controls (22% and 22% vs 6%, P=0.04). The difference was lost at 12 months (P=0.091) but retention was greatest in the walnut supplemented group (n=72 vs 45vs 61 controls), with about the same number of participants measuring a 5% weight loss as at 3 months (n=25) in this group.
Individualised dietary advice achieved greater short term success but long term adherence remains a challenge for all. From our analysis, the impact of providing of a healthy food supplement exemplifies the potential benefits of introducing enhancements for longer term success.