FOLLOW-UP EXAMINATION OF WOMEN WHO HAD PARTICIPATED IN A STUDY ON THEEXCHANGE OF USUAL FOOD BY COMPARABLE LOW-FAT FOOD

The February issue of Ernahrungs-Umschau reported on a study in which 42 normal- and overweight women had exchanged fat-containing food by c orresponding low-fat products; the study has lasted 8 weeks. Carbohydr ate intake was not limited. Weight loss of all women averaged 1.5 kg, of overweight women 2.9 kg. A follow-up after 18 months was conducted to answer the question whether participation in the scientific study h ad a learning effect influencing eating behaviour and weight of die wo men for a longer period of time. A comparison of the changes in weight of all women during the 18 months has shown a further loss of weight of 0.7 kg on the average in these women who continued curing low-fat f ood, and a weight increase of 1.72 kg in those who did not adhere to l ow-fat food. This difference is significant. Absolute losses in weight caused by a low-fat diet with unrestricted carbohydrate consumption a re low to moderated. Such a diet is recommended for the treatment of o verweight (BMI: 25-30 kg/m(2)) and for prevention. In cases of more ad vanced obesity (BMI: > 30 kg/m(2)) dietetic strategies must be combine d with behavioural therapy and physical activity. A temporary use of a formula diet or pharmacotherapy may enhance the initial success of th e treatment.