Comparison of Two Approaches to Weight Loss Follow-Up Study

University of Pennsylvania

Status and phase

Completed

Phase 4

Conditions

Obesity

Treatments

Behavioral: Low Carbohydrate Diet

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

NIH

Identifiers

NCT00143962

801787

Details and patient eligibility

About

This is a follow-up research study to determine if there are any differences in the long-term maintenance of two diet groups, the Atkins' diet (low-carbohydrate) or the LEARN program (low-fat). The Atkins' diet continues to get a significant amount of popular attention and very little scientific evaluation. Due to the small amount of scientific data to support a low-carbohydrate diet and given the wide spread use of this type of diet, it is important to evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of the Atkins' diet.

We will evaluate whether there are any differences between these two groups 3-years after participation in the initial 1-year study period. We will specifically assess weight, cholesterol levels, glucose and insulin levels, and eating habits and mood as we did originally.

Full description

***PLEASE NOTE: Only those who participated in the original study of low carbohydrate and low fat diets are eligable for enrollment in this follow-up study***

Enrollment

6 patients

Sex

All

Ages

18 to 65 years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Body mass index between 30 and 40
Live and work within 1 hour of the study site
Stable psychological status Exclusion criteria
History of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke
Blood pressure >140/90 mmHg
Abnormal cholesterol levels
Significant psychiatric illness
Any medication that affects weight or metabolic rate
Presence or history of a chronic disease that is known to affect appetite, food intake, or metabolism (i.e., diabetes, thyroid disease, or cancer)
Currently using antidepressants, steroids, tobacco, or illegal drugs
Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy
10 lb change in weight within 6 months of study entry
History of malignant arrhythmias or cerebrovascular, renal, or hepatic disease
History of protein wasting diseases or gout
Severe arthritis
Osteoporosis
Certain types of hormone replacement therapy
Currently following a vegetarian diet