Successful long-term weight loss among participants with diabetes receiving an intervention promoting an adapted Mediterranean-style dietary pattern: the Heart Healthy Lenoir Project

OBJECTIVE To examine weight change by diabetes status among participants receiving a Mediterranean-style diet, physical activity, and weight loss intervention adapted for delivery in the southeastern USA, where rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are disproportionately high. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The intervention included: Phase I (months 1-6), an individually tailored intervention promoting a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern and increased walking; Phase II (months 7-12), option of a 16-week weight loss intervention for those with BMI≥25 kg/m2 offered as 16 weekly group sessions or 5 group sessions and 10 phone calls, or a lifestyle maintenance intervention; and Phase III (months 13-24), weight loss maintenance intervention for those losing ≥8 pounds with all others receiving a lifestyle maintenance intervention. Weight change was assessed at 6, 12, and 24-month follow-up. RESULTS Baseline characteristics (n=339): mean age 56, 77% female, 65% African-American, 124 (37%) with diabetes; mean weight 103 kg for those with diabetes and 95 kg for those without. Among participants with diabetes, average weight change was -1.2 kg (95% CI -2.1 to -0.4) at 6 months (n=92), -1.5 kg (95% CI -2.9 to -0.2) at 12 months (n=96), and -3.7 kg (95% CI -5.2 to -2.1) at 24 months (n=93). Among those without diabetes, weight change was -0.4 kg (95% CI -1.4 to 0.6) at 24 months (n=154). CONCLUSIONS Participants with diabetes experienced sustained weight loss at 24-month follow-up. High-risk US populations with diabetes may experience clinically important weight loss from this type of lifestyle intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01433484.