AIM: To determine the effect of dietary advice in conjunction with advice to increase physical activity on the body composition, blood lipid and insulin profiles in overweight women. DESIGN: A 12-week randomized controlled intervention study. Subjects were assigned to one of four groups: (1) no advice, (2) low-fat, high-carbohydrate (including sucrose) energy-reduced diet, (3) 60 min/day brisk walking, and (4) diet and activity advice as previous. SUBJECTS: Sixty-nine overweight women (mean age 41 years). MEASUREMENTS: Dietary compliance was assessed by 4-day diet diaries. Activity levels were assessed by Caltracaccelerator monitors. Anthropometric changes were recorded at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples measuring glucose, insulin, and blood lipids were recorded at baseline and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Group 4 achieved greatest weight loss of 4.2 kg and greatest reduction in waist circumference of 6.5 cm. Groups 2 and 4 decreased the percentage energy from fat by 5.2%. Group 3 increased the percentage energy from fat by 4.0%. Group 4 significantly reduced total cholesterol by 0.45 mmol/l and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol by 0.53 mmol/l. CONCLUSION: A low-fat, high-carbohydrate, sucrose-containing diet combined with increased physical exercise resulted in greater health benefits than diet or physical activity advice alone.

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