Can A High-Fiber Diet Prevent Obesity?
05 Jun 2006
While diets low in carbohydrates and high in protein continue to attract the public's attention, researchers at the University of Texas - Austin report that "normal-weight" adults tend to eat more fiber and fruit than people who are overweight or obese.
The researchers looked at dietary intakes of more than 100 people of generally the same age and height, half of whom were considered normal weight based on their body mass index and other measurements, and half of whom were overweight or obese.
The researchers found the diets of the two groups were similar in many ways, including intakes of sugar, bread, dairy products and vegetables. The main difference between the groups was the amount of fiber consumed by the normal-weight adults - 33 percent more dietary fiber and 43 percent more complex carbohydrates each day (per 1,000 calories).
"Obviously, no magic formula exists for weight loss," the researchers write, "but our results indicated that a diet containing more than average amounts of fiber, complex carbohydrate and fruit was associated with normal body fat stores and standard weight for height."
Additional research articles in the June Journal of the American Dietetic Association include:
-- "The Effects of Dieting on Food and Nutrient Intake of Lactating Women"
-- "Relationship of Ghrelin and Leptin Hormones with Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference in a Random Sample of Adults"
-- "Psychosocial Correlates of Fruit, Vegetable and Dietary Fat Intake among Adolescent Boys and Girls."
The Journal of the American Dietetic Association is the official research publication of the American Dietetic Association and is the premier peer-reviewed journal in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
With approximately 65,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at
http://www.eatright.org.
Diet and Obesity 
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