Lower fat intake as a predictor of initial and sustained weight loss in obese subjects consuming an otherwise ad libitum diet.

OBJECTIVE: To determine what predicts initial and sustained weight loss in subjects consuming a reduced-fat diet ad libitum and the relationship between achieved level of fat intake and weight loss. DESIGN: Placebo arm of a randomized, controlled trial of a weight-loss drug (dexfenfluramine) in the context of an ad libitum, reduced-fat diet. SUBJECTS: Thirty-nine subjects (initial mean body mass index +/- standard deviation = 34.9 +/- 3.4; body mass index is calculated as kg/m2) from the placebo group who completed the 9-month study. INTERVENTION: Dietary assessment and education (month 0) followed by monthly meetings during the single intervention of reducing fat intake (months 1 through 6); one follow-up at 9 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Initial weight loss (first 3 months) and sustained weight loss (over 9-month period). STATISTICS: Dietary intake, body size, exercise levels, age, and gender were included in multiple regression linear models of initial and sustained weight loss if they were significant independent predictors. RESULTS: Greater initial weight loss was associated with a greater decrease in fat intake and a lower achieved fat intake at 3 months. Greater sustained weight loss was associated with a lower achieved fat intake, a higher baseline waist circumference, and higher moderate-intensity exercise levels (months 3 and 6). Weight loss occurred in all subjects who reported a fat intake of 40 g/day or less. APPLICATIONS: The obese persons most likely to achieve and sustain weight loss on an ad libitum, reduced-fat diet are those who can substantially reduce fat intake, those with high initial levels of abdominal fat, and those who undertake regular moderate-intensity exercise. A target of less than 40 g fat per day might be an appropriate goal to ensure weight loss, but dietary underreporting and the difficulty of sustaining very-low-fat intakes need to be considered.