FOOD-CONTAINING HYPOCALORIC DIETS ARE AS EFFECTIVE AS LIQUID-SUPPLEMENT DIETS FOR OBESE INDIVIDUALS WITH NIDDM

OBJECTIVE - This study was designed to determine if food-containing hypocaloric diets are as effective as liquid-supplement diets in promoting weight loss for obese individuals with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - Forty NIDDM subjects with body mass indexes (BMIs) of 30-40 kg/m(2) were randomized to one of two 800-kcal diets for 12 weeks. Group A received liquid supplement only, and group B received supplement plus an evening meal. Both groups received an intensive behavioral education program. RESULTS - Weight loss and improvements in glycemic, blood lipid, and blood pressure parameters were similar for the two groups. Weight loss averaged 15.7 kg for the entire group. The need for insulin, anti-diabetes, and anti-hypertensive medication decreased significantly. No serious side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS - Both food-containing and supplement diets providing 800 kcal a day effectively promote weight loss for obese individuals with NIDDM.