Eating Fruit Can Help Keep Weight Off

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Drapeau V, Després J-P, Bouchard C, et al.: Modifications in food-group consumption are related to long-term body-weight changes. Am J Clin Nutr 80:29-37, 2004.

What is the problem, and what is known about it so far?

Staying at a healthy weight is an important part of managing type 2 diabetes. But sometimes it's hard to lose weight and keep it off. It may be that eating certain kinds of foods (like fruit) plays an important role in losing weight and keeping it off.

For this study, the researchers wanted to know if eating certain foods helped people lose weight and keep it off.

Who was studied?

A total of 248 parents and their children older than 18 participated in the study.

How was the study done?

Every person filled out a questionnaire two times (at least 1 year apart). The first time, researchers wrote down each person's body weight, percentage of body fat, and what they had eaten and how much they had exercised in the past 3 days.

At the second visit, all participants filled out a food-based questionnaire asking if there had been any changes in what (and how much) they ate among 10 different food types (sugar, fat, salt, milk, fruit, vegetables, meats, breads, soft drinks, and chocolate).

What did the researchers find?

Researchers found that people who reported eating less fat, fewer fatty foods, and more fruit gained less weight and had lower body fat. People who reported eating less sugar and fewer sugary foods also gained less weight.

What were the limitations of the study?

Because the questionnaires were filled out from memory, some participants may not have accurately recorded what they really ate.

Another limitation is that the food group information was collected only twice. A study that recorded the same information more often might have more accurate results. Also, the people included in the study were volunteers, and could represent a more health-conscious group.

What are the implications of the study?

This study suggests that some foods could help people gain less weight over time.