Effectiveness of a Brief Dietetic Intervention for Hyperlipidaemic Adults Using Individually-Tailored Dietary Feedback

Dietary modifications can improve serum lipids and reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, attendance at multiple dietary consultations can be a barrier to achieving behaviour change. This study investigated the effectiveness of a brief dietetic intervention on CVD risk factors in hyperlipidaemic adults. Adults with total cholesterol ≥ 5.0 mmol/L or low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ≥ 4.0 mmol/L and not currently taking lipid-lowering medication were eligible for a minimum 6-week dietary intervention. Dietary intake data and blood lipids were acquired prior to a single counselling session with an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). The intervention used targeted feedback with purpose-developed education materials to supplement advice. CVD risk factors and dietary intakes were used to assess pre-post intervention change using linear mixed model regression analyses. Thirty-nine participants (59.3 ± 11.1 years, n = 28 female) were analysed. Mean ± SD follow-up from baseline time was 9.5 ± 2.5 weeks. Significant (p < 0.05) reductions in total cholesterol (-0.51 mmol/L), total:HDL (high density lipoprotein) ratio (-0.27 mmol/L), triglycerides (-0.38 mmol/L), total energy (-870 kJ/day), energy from nutrient-poor foods (-1006 kJ/day) and sodium (-325 mg/day), and improved dietary fat quality (-5.1% of energy/day saturated, +5.0% of energy/day polyunsaturated) and body mass index (-0.4 kg/m2) were achieved. A brief intervention by an APD incorporating targeted, personalised dietary feedback and education in a single counselling session can improve lipid profiles in adults with hyperlipidaemia.