Group Nutrition Counseling or Individualized Prescription for Women With Obesity? A Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the effects of group counseling vs. individual dietary prescription on physical, nutritional, and mental health in overweight or obese women. Methods: Seventy-four women aged 40-59 years with body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m 2 were randomized into 2 intervention arms: group nutrition counseling (GNC) or individualized nutrition prescription (INP). Twenty-seven women completed the 12-week intervention protocol. The GNC received counseling once a week and the INP received an individualized prescription once a month. All participants attended physical exercise sessions 3 times a week following the same protocol. Body mass, body mass index, fat mass, body fat percentage, lean mass, lipid profile, hemoglobin A1c, insulin and liver transaminases were measured pre-and post-intervention in both arms. A 3 day food record was applied to calculate the intake of calories, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Body image dissatisfaction, level of anxiety, self-esteem measure and pathological eating attitudes were measured. Results: Both dietary interventions decreased body mass, body mass index, fat mass, body fat percentage, total caloric intake, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, body dissatisfaction, anxiety, and saturated and polyunsaturated fats (p < 0.05). Lean mass, metabolic variables, self-esteem and pathological eating attitudes remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Both nutritional interventions combined with concurrent exercise were effective to improve anthropometrics, body composition, food intake, and some mental health parameters. We suggest that the choice of nutritional intervention (GNC or INP) could be based on the participants preference, considering the adherence and satisfaction, to promote health and quality of life.

Eating disorder risk during behavioral weight management in adults with overweight or obesity: A systematic review with meta‐analysis

“…Four trials reported a reduction in ED risk within both intervention groups with no difference between groups 30,49,50,62 . Three trials reported no difference between intervention groups but did not report within group change 32,40,46 . No trials reported increased scores within or between groups.…”

“…Most trials compared two or more weight management intervention groups, 28–69 and five compared a weight management to a weight–neutral intervention group using a non‐diet approach to health focusing on self‐acceptance and improving emotional well‐being 70–73 . Four trials included a no‐treatment or waitlist comparator group 14,71,73,74 .…”

“…Most trials compared two or more weight management intervention groups, 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 and five compared a weight management to a weight–neutral intervention group using a non‐diet approach to health focusing on self‐acceptance and improving emotional well‐being. 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 Four trials included a no‐treatment or waitlist comparator group.…”

Regular Physical Activities Inhibit Risk Factors of the Common Cold Among Chinese Adults

“…Current guidelines advocate regular, moderate PA to prevent infectious diseases (Campbell and Turner, 2018 ; Chastin et al, 2021 ). Individualized exercise prescription may reduce the cost of public health (Bolognese et al, 2020 ). While many factors can influence PA involvement, previous studies have begun to uncover the impact of gender, age, occupation, and other characteristics.…”

Data_Sheet_1.DOCX

“…Current guidelines advocate regular, moderate PA to prevent infectious diseases (Campbell and Turner, 2018;Chastin et al, 2021). Individualized exercise prescription may reduce the cost of public health (Bolognese et al, 2020). While many factors can influence PA involvement, previous studies have begun to uncover the impact of gender, age, occupation, and other characteristics.…”