Comparison of the effects of cows' milk, fortified soy milk, and calcium supplement on weight and fat loss in premenopausal overweight and obese women. Different quantities of two commercial liquid diets consumed by weight-losing cancer patients. Weight reduction effects of a black soy peptide supplement in overweight and obese subjects: double blind, randomized, controlled study. Effect of Soymilk Consumption on Waist Circumference and Cardiovascular Risks among Overweight and Obese Female Adults Effect of soy drink replacement in a weight reducing diet on anthropometric values and blood pressure among overweight and obese female youths. Soy compared to casein meal replacement shakes with energy-restricted diets for obese women: randomized controlled trial. Effectiveness of alternative listening devices to conventional hearing aids for adults with hearing loss: a systematic review protocol Effects of workplace-based dietary and/or physical activity interventions for weight management targeting healthcare professionals: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials A comparison of the effect of free access to reduced fat products or their full fat equivalents on food intake, body weight, blood lipids and fat-soluble antioxidants levels and haemostasis variables Systematic review of interventions in the management of overweight and obese children which include a dietary component Systematic review of interventions in the management of overweight and obese children which include a dietary component. Whey Protein but Not Soy Protein Supplementation Alters Body Weight and Composition in Free-Living Overweight and Obese Adults12 Effectiveness of parent‐centred interventions for the prevention and treatment of childhood overweight and obesity in community settings: a systematic review Whey protein supplementation preserves postprandial myofibrillar protein synthesis during short-term energy restriction in overweight and obese adults. Partly replacing meat protein with soy protein alters insulin resistance and blood lipids in postmenopausal women with abdominal obesity. Soy product and isoflavone intakes are associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in overweight Japanese women. Soy fiber improves weight loss and lipid profile in overweight and obese adults: a randomized controlled trial. Determinants of weight loss maintenance: a systematic review. Urinary isoflavonoid phytoestrogen and lignan excretion after consumption of fermented and unfermented soy products. The impact of a weight reduction program with and without meal-replacement on health related quality of life in middle-aged obese females Exploring the mechanisms of weight loss in the SHED-IT intervention for overweight men: a mediation analysis Kefir drink leads to a similar weight loss, compared with milk, in a dairy-rich non-energy-restricted diet in overweight or obese premenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial Weight Loss and Lipid Changes with Low-Energy Diets: Comparator Study of Milk-Based versus Soy-Based Liquid Meal Replacement Interventions Soy goes to school: acceptance of healthful, vegetarian options in Maryland middle school lunches. Preliminary study: soy milk as effective as skim milk in promoting weight loss. Effectiveness of a soy-based compared with a traditional low-calorie diet on weight loss and lipid levels in overweight adults. Evaluation of a tailored intervention to improve management of overweight and obesity in primary care: study protocol of a cluster randomised controlled trial Effects of dairy compared with soy on oxidative and inflammatory stress in overweight and obese subjects. Effect of soy protein from differently processed products on cardiovascular disease risk factors and vascular endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic subjects. The politics of probiotics: probiotics, necrotizing enterocolitis and the ethics of neonatal research The effect of weight management interventions that include a diet component on weight‐related outcomes in pregnant and postpartum women: a systematic review protocol
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Recent studies suggest that calcium metabolism and perhaps other components of dairy products may contribute to shifting the energy balance and thus play a role in weight regulation . We compared the effects of cows ' milk , calcium fortified soy milk and calcium supplement on weight and body fat reduction in premenopausal overweight and obese women . METHODS AND RESULTS In this clinical trial , 100 healthy overweight or obese premenopausal women were r and omized to one of the following dietary regimens for 8 weeks : ( 1 ) a control diet providing a 500kcal/day deficit , with 500 - 600mg/day dietary calcium ; ( 2 ) a calcium-supplemented diet identical to the control diet with 800mg/day of calcium as calcium carbonate ; ( 3 ) a milk diet providing a 500kcal/day deficit and containing three servings of low-fat milk ; ( 4 ) a soy milk diet providing a 500kcal/day deficit and containing three servings of calcium fortified soy milk . At baseline and after 8 weeks , weight , waist circumference , and hip circumference were measured . Three 24-h dietary records and physical activity records were also taken . Comparing the mean differences in weight , waist circumference , body mass index ( BMI ) and waist-to-hip ratio ( WHR ) using repeated measure of variance analysis showed that changes in waist circumference and WHR were significant among the four groups ( p=0.029 and p=0.015 , respectively ) . After adjustment for baseline values , changes in weight and BMI were also significant ( p=0.017 and p=0.019 , respectively ) . Weight reductions  in high milk , soy milk , calcium supplement and control groups were 4.43±1.93(kg ) , 3.46±1.28(kg ) , 3.89±2.40(kg ) and 2.87±1.55(kg ) , respectively . The greatest changes were seen in the high dairy group in all variables . CONCLUSION Increasing low fat milk consumption significantly reduces the general and central obesity beyond a low calorie diet Twenty ambulatory , weight-losing patients with advanced cancer of the lung , breast , or ovary were r and omized to supplement their diet for 2 months with either of two commercial complete liquid diets , one containing intact milk proteins and the other partially hydrolyzed soy proteins . Both products were prescribed as sip feeds in addition to normal food . The patients consumed more of the hydrolysate-containing product than of that with intact ( milk ) protein . The difference was significant and was maintained during both months of the study . An increase in total energy and protein was obtained in both groups , but was significant only with the hydrolysate product . At the end of the study there was no group difference in measures of nutritional status , but weight loss was halted in both groups The present study determined the effect of black soy peptide supplementation on body weight and body fat in overweight/obese subjects . In a double-blind controlled trial , participants ( n = 80 ) were r and omized to either soy peptide supplementation ( the test group ) or to a placebo ( the placebo group ) . Sixty-four people completed the study , and anthropometric parameters , serum inflammatory markers , and leptin and lipid profiles  were measured . After 6 weeks , the test group ( n = 35 ) had significant reductions in body weight ( p = 0.003 ) and body mass index ( BMI ) ( p = 0.004 ) , body fat mass ( p = 0.038 ) . After 12 weeks , they also had significant reductions in body weight ( p < 0.001 ) , BMI ( p < 0.001 ) , body fat percentage ( p = 0.002 ) , and body fat mass ( p = 0.001 ) . However , these significance s were not observed in the placebo group ( n = 29 ) . In addition , net changes in body weight and body fat mass in the test group were significantly bigger than those in the placebo group after 12 weeks . Leptin levels were significantly reduced in the test groups ( p = 0.047 ) , but were not observed in the placebo group ( p = 0.323 ) . Interestingly , the subjects with weight reductions ≥1 kg in the test group had greater reductions in circulating leptin levels ( p = 0.002 ) . Additionally , fasting insulin levels were significantly reduced in the test groups . The conclusion is that black soy peptide supplementation may be beneficial for body weight control in overweight/obese subjects Background : Soy milk replacement in the diet might have beneficial effects on waist circumference and cardiovascular risk factors for overweight and obese subjects . Therefore , we are going to determine the effects of soy milk replacements on the waist circumference and cardiovascular risk factors among overweight and obese female adults . Methods : In this crossover r and omized clinical trail , 24 over weight and obese female adults were on a diet with soy milk or the diet with cow 's milk for four weeks . In the diet with soy milk only one glass of soy milk ( 240 cc ) was replaced instead of one glass of cow 's milk ( 240 cc ) . Measurements were done according to the st and ard protocol . Results : Waist circumference reduced significantly following soy milk period ( mean percent change in soy milk period for waist circumference : -3.79 ± 0.51 vs. -1.78 ± 0.55 % ; P = 0.02 in the cow 's milk period ) . Blood pressure , weight , liver enzymes and glycemic control indices did not changed significantly after soy milk period compared to the cow 's milk period . Conclusion : Among over weight and obese patients  , soy milk can play an important role in reducing waist circumference . However , soy milk replacement had no significant effects on weight , glycemic control indices , liver enzymes , fibrinogen and blood pressure in a short term trial BACKGROUND Soy drink replacement in the diet might have beneficial effects on anthropometric and blood pressure values for overweight and obese subjects . Therefore , we are going to determine the effects of soy drink replacements on the weight , waist circumference and blood pressure among overweight and obese female youths . PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a cross-over r and omized clinical trial on 23 overweight and obese female subjects . All patients were on a weight reducing diet . There were two trial periods for six weeks ( soy drink period and cow 's milk period ) and a washout period for 3 weeks . In the soy drink period only one glass of soy drink ( 240 cc ) was consumed instead of one glass of cow 's milk . RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 22±2 years . Mean of BMI was 28.1±0.5 .  Weight and waist circumference did not changed significantly after the soy drink period compared to the cow 's milk period . Systolic blood pressure reduced significantly following the soy drink period ( mean percent change in soy drink period : -4.0±0.9 vs -1.7±0.5 in the cow 's milk period ; p<0.05 ) . Diastolic blood pressure also reduced in the soy drink period ( -0.4±0.1 vs 0.4±0.1 ; p<0.05 ) . CONCLUSION Soy drink replacement could reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure among overweight and obese female youths . However , this replacement had no significant results on weight and waist circumference Recent studies suggest that obese individuals lose weight more rapidly and lose more total weight with soy protein than with animal protein as a major diet component . The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the weight-loss efficacy and changes in body composition , waist circumference , blood pressure , and levels of plasma glucose , insulin , serum lipids , C-reactive protein , and homocysteine from consumption of either 3 soy shakes or 3 casein shakes daily as part of a 16-week , energy-restricted diet for obese women . Forty-three women with body mass index values of 30 to 40 kg/m(2 ) were r and omized to intensive dietary interventions using either casein ( n = 21 ) or soy ( n = 22 ) shakes . Subjects were instructed to consume 3 shakes , 1 prepackaged entrée , and 5 servings of fruits or vegetables daily to achieve an energy intake of 4.5 to 5.0 MJ/d . Subjects attended classes weekly or biweekly . Weight , body fat , lipid , and glucose measurements were obtained at baseline and at 8 and 16 weeks . For both groups combined , subjects lost 8.1 % of initial body weight ( 7.7 kg ) at 8 weeks and 13.4 % ( 12.7 kg ) at 16 weeks . Weight loss from baseline did not differ significantly by group and , for completing subjects , was 14.0 % + /- 1.2 % ( mean + /- SE ) for casein and 12.8 % + /- 1.4 % for soy . With the intention-to-treat analysis , weight losses at 16 weeks were 12.5 % + /- 1.4 % for casein and 11.3 % + /- 1.2 % for soy . Body fat losses were 23.7 % + /- 2.0 % for casein and 21.8 % + /- 2.4 % for soy and did not differ significantly . Both study groups lost significant amounts of weight with a highly structured behavioral program incorporating 4 meal replacements and vegetables and fruits . Differences in weight loss and body composition changes between casein and soy treatments were not significant Introduction Hearing loss is a major public health concern , affecting over 11 million people in the UK . While hearing aids are the most common clinical intervention for hearing loss , the majority of people that would benefit from using hearing aids do not take them up . Recent technological advances have led to a rapid increase of alternative listening devices to conventional hearing aids . These include hearing aids that can be customised using a smartphone , smartphone-based ‘ hearing aid ’ apps , personal sound amplification products and wireless hearing products . However , no systematic review has been published evaluating whether alternative listening devices are an effective management strategy for people with hearing loss . Methods and analysis The objective of this systematic review is to assess whether alternative listening devices are an effective intervention for adults with hearing loss . Methods are reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review s and Meta-analyses Protocol s ( PRISMA -P ) 2015 checklist . Retrospective or prospect i ve studies , r and omised controlled trials , non-r and omised controlled trials , and before-after comparison studies will be eligible for inclusion . We will include studies with adult participants ( ≥18 years ) with a mild or moderate hearing loss . The intervention should be an alternative listening device to a conventional hearing aid ( comparison ) . Studies will be restricted to outcomes associated with the consequences of hearing loss . We will search relevant data bases to identify published , completed but unpublished and ongoing trials . The overall quality of included evidence will be evaluated using the GRADE system , and meta- analysis performed if appropriate . Ethics and dissemination No ethical issues are foreseen . The findings will be reported at national and international conferences , primarily audiology , and ear , nose and throat , and in a peer- review ed journal using the PRISMA guidelines . Review registration number PROSPERO CRD4201502958 Background The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high amongst healthcare professionals and there is growing interest in delivering weight loss interventions in the workplace . We conducted a systematic review to ( i ) examine the effectiveness of workplace-based diet and /or physical activity interventions aim ed at healthcare professionals and to ( ii ) identify and describe key components of effective interventions . Seven electronic data bases were systematic ally search ed . Results Thirteen r and omised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria , of which seven had data available for meta- analysis . Where meta- analysis was possible , studies were grouped according to length of follow-up ( < 12 months and ≥12 months ) and behavioural target ( diet only , physical activity only or diet and physical activity ) , with outcome data pooled using a weighted r and om effects model . Nine studies reported statistically significant ( between-group ) differences . Four studies reported being informed by a behaviour change theory . Meta- analysis of all trials reporting weight data demonstrated healthcare professionals allocated to dietary and physical activity interventions lost significantly more body weight ( −3.95 Kg , [ 95 % CI −4.96 to- 2.95 Kg ] ) than controls up to 12 months follow up . Conclusions Workplace diet and /or physical activity interventions targeting healthcare professionals are limited in number and are heterogeneous . To improve the evidence base , we recommend additional evaluations of theory-based interventions and adequate reporting of intervention content Objectives : To compare the effects of free access to reduced fat products or their full fat equivalents on fat and energy intake , body weight , plasma lipids and fat-soluble antioxidants concentrations and haemostasis variables . Design : A multicentre open r and omised controlled trial in which intervention and control groups were followed in parallel for six months . Volunteers had free access to 44 different foods either in reduced fat or full fat version , covering between 30 and 40 % of energy intake . The remainder of energy intake was covered by foods bought in regular shops . Setting : Zeist , Wageningen and Maastricht , The Netherl and s . Subjects : Two hundred and forty-one non-obese healthy volunteers who had no intention to lose weight . Main outcome measures : Food intake , body weight , plasma lipid , vitamin E , β-carotene , lycopene and fibrinogen concentrations , plasma factor VII clotting activity , and plasminogen-activator-inhibitor-I antigen level . Results : One hundred and three volunteers in the full fat group and 117 volunteers in the reduced fat group completed the study .  Energy and fat intake from the free access products was lower in the reduced fat group , but no difference in energy and fat intake of other products occurred . Body weight , energy- , fat- and vitamin E intake and percentage of energy derived from fat decreased in the reduced fat group . No other statistical significant intervention effects were observed . Blood lipid concentrations , factor VII activity and plasminogen-inhibitor-activator-1 level were reduced after consumption of reduced fat products . Conclusions : When subjects without intention to lose weight limit fat intake by switching from ad libitum consumption of full fat products to reduced fat products body weight gain is prevented , and fat and energy intake are reduced . Such a switch may have beneficial effects on biochemical cardiovascular risk factors . We concluded that reduced fat products will help in a population strategy aim ed at preventing overweight and obesity , they will also be effective in maintaining a lower body weight after slimming . Ad libitum consumption of reduced fat products will be ineffective for those individuals that want to reduce body weight because they are currently overweight or obese . Sponsorship : Background The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents is increasing at an alarming rate around the world and prevention has become a key public health objective . Treatment and management of those already overweight and obese must be aligned with the best available evidence on effectiveness , if the risk of obesity‐related morbidity and mortality is yet be reduced . Diet plays a pivotal role in successful treatment of obesity but to date , there is limited evidence on which to base practice . Objectives To identify and present the best available evidence on the optimal dietetic treatment and management of children and adolescent who are overweight or obese . Search strategy Published English language literature was search ed using the electronic data bases CINAHL , MEDLINE , PRE‐ MEDLINE , DARE , COCHRANE , EMBASE , AUSTROM , Current Concepts and Dissertation Abstract s. The data bases were limited to English Language from 1975 until 2003 . Government reports from the UK , USA and Australian were also search ed and a h and search performed for the Journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia , International Journal of Obesity and the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics and the bibliographies of retrieved articles . Selection criteria ( i ) Interventions that evaluated the effectiveness of nutrition or dietary interventions to treat or manage overweight and obesity ; ( ii ) Children aged less than 18 years ; and ( iii ) Participants were defined as overweight or obese by relative weight or a measure of body weight status , studies that reported body weight per se were excluded . Data collection and analysis An experienced professional librarian search ed the data bases , and two trained research assistants independently identified studies for retrieval and assessed each article for inclusion . The included studies were critically appraised for method ological quality by two people independently . Data were extracted from the appropriate articles and when a discrepancy arose , a third party would arbitrate . Main results There were 116 articles that met the inclusion criteria . While 49 articles described r and omised controlled trials , they arose from 37 separate studies . There were 67 non‐r and omised trials . Meta‐analyses were performed on eight studies that included both a dietary intervention component and an adequate control group and on four studies that had follow‐up data . There was a high degree of heterogeneity between studies and this made comparisons between studies problematic . Interventions that include diet therapy generally result in significant weight loss , at least in the short term . Many studies were poorly design ed and had no or only minimal follow up . The details of the dietary intervention were often inadequately described and dietary outcomes rarely reported , making repetition of the studies difficult . Review ers ' conclusions There is an urgent need for high quality studies investigating the optimal dietary approach to management of paediatric  overweight and obesity . These studies require adequate follow up to ascertain if weight loss can be sustained in the long term . Details of the dietary prescription , adherence to the dietary intervention and diet‐specific outcomes need to be reported in order to inform best practice Background The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents is increasing at an alarming rate around the world and prevention has become a key public health objective . Treatment and management of those already overweight and obese must be aligned with the best available evidence on effectiveness , if the risk of obesity-related morbidity and mortality is yet be reduced . Diet plays a pivotal role in successful treatment of obesity but to date , there is limited evidence on which to base practice . Objectives To identify and present the best available evidence on the optimal dietetic treatment and management of children and adolescent who are overweight or obese . Search strategy Published English language literature was search ed using the electronic data bases CINAHL , MEDLINE , PRE- MEDLINE , DARE , COCHRANE , EMBASE , AUSTROM , Current Concepts and Dissertation Abstract s. The data bases were limited to English Language from 1975 until 2003 . Government reports from the UK , USA and Australian were also search ed and a h and search performed for the Journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia , International Journal of Obesity and the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics and the bibliographies of retrieved articles . Selection criteria ( i ) Interventions that evaluated the effectiveness of nutrition or dietary interventions to treat or manage overweight and obesity ; ( ii ) Children aged less than 18 years ; and ( iii ) Participants were defined as overweight or obese by relative weight or a measure of body weight status , studies that reported body weight per se were excluded . Data collection and analysis An experienced professional librarian search ed the data bases , and two trained research assistants independently identified studies for retrieval and assessed each article for inclusion . The included studies were critically appraised for method ological quality by two people independently . Data were extracted from the appropriate articles and when a discrepancy arose , a third party would arbitrate . Main results There were 116 articles that met the inclusion criteria . While 49 articles described r and omised controlled trials , they arose from 37 separate studies . There were 67 non-r and omised trials . Meta-analyses were performed on eight studies that included both a dietary intervention component and an adequate control group and on four studies that had follow-up data . There was a high degree of heterogeneity between studies and this made comparisons between studies problematic . Interventions that include diet therapy generally result in significant weight loss , at least in the short term . Many studies were poorly design ed and had no or only minimal follow up . The details of the dietary intervention were often inadequately described and dietary outcomes rarely reported , making repetition of the studies difficult . Review ers ' conclusions There is an urgent need for high quality studies investigating the optimal dietary approach to management of paediatric overweight and obesity . These studies require adequate follow up to ascertain if weight loss can be sustained in the long term . Details of the dietary prescription , adherence to the dietary intervention and diet-specific outcomes need to be reported in order to inform best practice A double-blind , r and omized clinical trial was conducted to determine the effect of consumption of supplemental whey protein ( WP ) , soy protein ( SP ) , and an isoenergetic amount of carbohydrate ( CHO ) on body weight and composition in free-living overweight and obese but otherwise healthy participants . Ninety overweight and obese participants were r and omly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups for 23 wk : 1 ) WP ; 2 ) SP ( each providing ~56 g/d of protein and 1670 kJ/d ) ; or 3 ) an isoenergetic amount of CHO . Supplements were consumed as a beverage twice daily . Participants were provided no dietary advice and continued to consume their free-choice diets . Participants ’ body weight and composition data were obtained monthly . Dietary intake was determined by 24-h dietary recalls collected every 10 d. After 23 wk , body weight and composition did not differ between the groups consuming the SP and WP or between SP and CHO ; however , body weight and fat mass of the group consuming the WP were lower by 1.8 kg ( P < 0.006 ) and 2.3 kg ( P < 0.005 ) , respectively , than the group consuming CHO . Lean body mass did not differ among any of the groups . Waist circumference was smaller in the participants consuming WP than in the other groups ( P < 0.05 ) . Fasting ghrelin was lower in participants consuming WP compared with SP or CHO . Through yet-unknown mechanisms , different sources of dietary protein may differentially facilitate weight loss and affect body composition . Dietary recommendations , especially those that emphasize the role of dietary protein in facilitating weight change , should also address the demonstrated clinical potential of supplemental WP Background Worldwide in 2000 , 10 % of children aged five to 17 years were reported as being overweight with an additional 2‐3 % being obese . Overweight and obesity in childhood can adversely impact on both physical and psychological health . The rise in the prevalence of childhood obesity is a complex issue but widely recognised contributors include increased energy intake , decreased levels of physical activity and greater time spent in sedentary pursuits . A large number of environmental and cultural factors have also been identified as contributing to the problem . Evidence to support an optimal approach to treating childhood obesity is limited with many studies showing only modest results at best in the long‐term . However , the importance of family‐based treatment that combines diet , physical activity and behavioral components has been acknowledged in a recent Cochrane Systematic Review . It has also been suggested that interventions offered in the community setting may help overcome barriers to participation , by making programs more accessible and allowing the targeting of specific sub‐groups of the population . Objectives The objective of this review was to identify the effectiveness of parent‐centred interventions implemented in the community setting in modifying eating and physical activity behaviors or weight‐related outcomes of children . Inclusion criteria Types of participants This review considered studies that included free‐living children of pre‐school , primary and secondary school age and /or their parents/guardians aged > 18 years . Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest Intervention programs were required to have a parental component , to target eating and /or exercise behaviors for the prevention or treatment of obesity , and child weight status reported . Types of studies All intervention studies were included in the review including : r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) ; non‐r and omized controlled trials , longitudinal studies , cohort ( both retrospective and prospect i ve ) , case control and time series studies which had been conducted in a community setting . Types of outcomes This review considered studies that included overweight/obesity related outcomes , eating behavior outcomes , physical activity behaviour outcomes , and sedentary behavior outcomes and constructs . Search strategy A literature search of community‐based parent‐centred intervention studies to promote nutrition and physical activity for the prevention and treatment and of childhood overweight and obesity was performed in eight electronic data bases dating from 1975 to April 2009 . Method ological quality Studies were critically appraised for method ological quality using st and ardized tools . Data collection Data was extracted by one review er using a st and ardized data extraction form developed by the research ers and checked for accuracy and consistency by a second review er . Data synthesis Data in relation to setting , methodology , intervention components and effect on weight , dietary intake and physical activity was extracted , and described in a narrative synthesis . Where possible a meta‐ analysis was undertaken . Results Of the home‐based interventions , five of nine studies reported statistically significant changes in anthropometric outcomes post intervention . Of the 10 studies in the before and after school care setting , seven reported a significant decrease in a weight‐related outcome post intervention , with only one reporting an increase . Conclusions Results from the review support the after‐school setting as the most promising for community intervention setting for targeting parents as agents of change within child obesity prevention and treatment programs . Implication s for practice At this stage , interventions to support parents should target the after‐school environment as opposed to being conducted in the home , summer camps , leisure centers or churches . Targeting a decrease in energy intake and sweetened beverages in parallel with increasing number of daily steps and decreasing screen time use . Implication s for research Future studies of high quality are needed across the full range of community setting s. Given that currently most of the higher quality RCTs and the studies showing positive impacts of weight change are in the after‐school setting , further studies in this area using similar method ologies to those already published will facilitate future meta‐analyses in this area BACKGROUND Higher dietary energy as protein during weight loss results in a greater loss of fat mass and retention of muscle mass ; however , the impact of protein quality on the rates of myofibrillar protein synthesis ( MPS ) and lipolysis , processes that are important in the maintenance of muscle and loss of fat , respectively , are unknown . OBJECTIVE We aim ed to determine how the consumption of different sources of proteins ( soy or whey ) during a controlled short-term ( 14-d ) hypoenergetic diet affected MPS and lipolysis . METHODS Men ( n = 19 ) and women ( n = 21 ) ( age 35 - 65 y ; body mass index 28 - 50 kg/m(2 ) ) completed a 14-d controlled hypoenergetic diet ( -750 kcal/d ) . Participants were r and omly assigned , double blind , to receive twice-daily supplements of isolated whey ( 27 g/supplement ) or soy ( 26 g/supplement ) , providing a total protein intake of 1.3 ± 0.1 g/(kg · d ) , or isoenergetic carbohydrate ( 25 g maltodextrin/supplement ) result ing in a total protein intake of 0.7 ± 0.1 g/(kg · d ) . Before and after the dietary intervention , primed continuous infusions of L-[ring-(13)C6 ] phenylalanine and [(2)H5]-glycerol were used to measure postabsorptive and postpr and ial rates of MPS and lipolysis . RESULTS Preintervention , MPS was stimulated more ( P < 0.05 ) with ingestion of whey than with soy or carbohydrate . Postintervention , postabsorptive MPS decreased similarly in all groups ( all P < 0.05 ) . Postpr and ial MPS was reduced by 9 ± 1 % in the whey group , which was less ( P < 0.05 ) than the reduction in soy and carbohydrate groups ( 28 ± 5 % and 31 ± 5 % , respectively ; both P < 0.05 ) after the intervention . Lipolysis was suppressed during the postpr and ial period ( P < 0.05 ) , but more so with ingestion of carbohydrate ( P < 0.05 ) than soy or whey . CONCLUSION We conclude that whey protein supplementation attenuated the decline in postpr and ial rates of MPS after weight loss , which may be of importance in the preservation of lean mass during longer-term weight loss interventions . This trial was registered at clinical trials.gov as NCT01530646 Increasing protein intake and soy consumption appear to be promising approaches to prevent metabolic syndrome ( MetS ) . However , the effect of soy consumption on insulin resistance , glucose homeostasis , and other characteristics of MetS is not frequently studied in humans . We aim ed to investigate the effects of a 4-wk , strictly controlled , weight-maintaining , moderately high-protein diet rich in soy on insulin sensitivity and other cardiometabolic risk factors . We performed a r and omized crossover trial of 2 4-wk diet periods in 15 postmenopausal women with abdominal obesity to test diets with 22 energy percent ( En% ) protein , 27 En% fat , and 50 En% carbohydrate . One diet contained protein of mixed origin ( mainly meat , dairy , and bread ) , and the other diet partly replaced meat with soy meat analogues and soy nuts containing 30 g/d soy protein . For our primary outcome , a frequently sample d intravenous glucose tolerance test ( FSIGT ) was performed at the end of both periods . Plasma total , LDL , and HDL cholesterol , triglycerides , glucose , insulin , and C-reactive protein were assessed , and blood pressure , arterial stiffness , and intrahepatic lipid content were measured at the start and end of both periods . Compared with the mixed-protein diet , the soy-protein diet result ed in greater insulin sensitivity [ FSIGT : insulin sensitivity , 34 ± 29 vs. 22 ± 17 (mU/L)(-1 ) · min(-1 ) , P = 0.048 ; disposition index , 4974 ± 2543 vs. 2899 ± 1878 , P = 0.038 ; n = 11 ] . Total cholesterol was 4 % lower after the soy-protein diet than after the mixed-protein diet ( 4.9 ± 0.7 vs. 5.1 ± 0.6 mmol/L , P = 0.001 ) , and LDL cholesterol was 9 % lower ( 2.9 ± 0.7 vs. 3.2 ± 0.6 mmol/L , P = 0.004 ; n = 15 ) . Thus , partly replacing meat with soy in a moderately high-protein diet has clear advantages regarding insulin sensitivity and total and LDL cholesterol . Therefore , partly replacing meat products with soy products could be important in preventing MetS. This trial was registered at clinical trials.gov as NCT01694056 Isoflavones have been shown to improve glucose metabolism , but epidemiologic data are limited . We prospect ively investigated the relationship between soy product and isoflavone intake and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes among Japanese adults . Participants were 25,872 men and 33,919 women aged 45 - 75 y , who participated in the second survey of the Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospect i ve Study and had no history of diabetes .  Soy product and isoflavone intakes were ascertained using a 147-item FFQ . Odds ratios of self-reported , physician-diagnosed type 2 diabetes over 5 y were estimated using logistic regression analysis . A total of 1114 new cases of type 2 diabetes were self-reported . Intakes of soy products and isoflavones were not significantly associated with type 2 diabetes in either men or all women . However , among overweight women ( BMI > or = 25 kg/m(2 ) ) , a higher intake of soy products was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes ; multivariable-adjusted odds ratios ( 95 % CI ) for the lowest through highest quintiles of soy product intake were 1.00 ( reference ) , 0.78 ( 0.52 - 1.18 ) , 0.79 ( 0.52 - 1.20 ) , 0.62 ( 0.39 - 0.99 ) , and 0.89 ( 0.55 - 1.44 ) , respectively , and we found a similar risk pattern for daidzein and genistein intakes . Overall , our results suggest that there are no benefits of soy product or isoflavone intake with respect to risk of type 2 diabetes in either men or women . The possible protective associations of soy and isoflavone intakes among overweight women deserves further investigation SCOPE Studies have suggested that food rich in dietary fiber may facilitate body weight loss , lower total and LDL-cholesterol levels , and reduce body fat . This study examined the effects of soy fiber ( SF ) on body weight , body composition , and blood lipids in overweight and obese participants . METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty-nine overweight and obese college adults ( 19 - 39 years of age ) were r and omly assigned to consume control biscuits or biscuits supplemented with SF for their breakfast for 12 wk ( approximately 100 g/day ) . There were significant differences in changes on body weight , BMI , and LDL-cholesterol ( LDL-C ) between the two groups after 12-wk intervention ( p < 0.05 ) . The changes of body weight , BMI , waist circumference , diastolic blood pressure , serum levels of total cholesterol , LDL-C , and glucose , body fat , and trunk fat of participants in SF group were observed significantly after 12 wk . CONCLUSION SF had favorable effects on body weight , BMI , and fasting LDL-C levels in overweight and obese adults . These effects may be beneficial in antiobesity and the improvement of hyperlipidemia and hypertension ( Clinical Trials.gov registration number-NCT01802840 ) BACKGROUND Discerning the determinants of weight loss maintenance is important in the planning of future interventions and policies regarding overweight and obesity . We have therefore systematic ally synthesized recent literature on determinants of weight loss maintenance for individuals with overweight and obesity . METHODS With the use of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review s and Meta-Analyses statement , prospect i ve studies were identified from search es in PubMed and PsycINFO from 2006 to 2016 . We included articles investigating adults with overweight and obesity undergoing weight loss without surgery or medication .  Included articles were scored on their method ological quality , and a best- evidence synthesis was applied to summarize the results . RESULTS Our search result ed in 8,222 articles of which 67 articles were selected . In total , 124 determinants were identified of which 5 were demographic , 59 were behavioural , 51 were psychological/cognitive and 9 were social and physical environmental determinants . We found consistent evidence that demographic determinants were not predictive of weight loss maintenance . Behavioural and cognitive determinants that promote a reduction in energy intake , an increase in energy expenditure and monitoring of this balance are predictive determinants . CONCLUSION This review identifies key determinants in weight loss maintenance . However , more research regarding cognitive and environmental determinants of weight loss maintenance is needed to advance our knowledge on determinants of weight loss maintenance OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of consumption of fermented and unfermented soy products on excretion of urinary isoflavonoid phytoestrogens and lignans in healthy men . DESIGN A r and omized , crossover trial consisting of two 9-day feeding periods following 5 days of baseline data collection . SUBJECTS Healthy men , aged 20 to 40 years , were recruited from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities community . Of the 22 subjects who began the study , 17 completed all feeding periods . INTERVENTIONS Fermented soy product ( 112 g tempeh ) or unfermented soy ( 125 g soybean pieces ) was consumed during each controlled feeding period . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Urine sample s collected while subjects consumed their habitual diets and on the last 3 days of each feeding period were analyzed for isoflavonoid and lignan content by isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry . STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED Comparisons of isoflavonoid and lignan excretion were analyzed using the general linear model procedure . Orthogonal contrasts were used to determine treatment differences of interest . RESULTS Urinary excretion of isoflavonoids ( equol , O-desmethylangolensin [ O-DMA ] , daidzein , genistein ) was higher and excretion of lignans ( enterodiol , enterolactone ) was lower when subjects consumed soy-supplemented diets than when they consumed their habitual diets ( P < .05 ) . Urinary isoflavonoid excretion and lignan excretion were similar when subjects consumed tempeh and soybean pieces diets ; however , recovery of daidzein and genistein was significantly higher when subjects consumed the tempeh diet than when they consumed the soybean pieces diet ( P < .002 ) . When fed soy , 5 of 17 subjects excreted high amounts of equol . These five subjects tended to excrete less O-DMA and daidzein than the 12 subjects who excreted low amounts of equol ( P < .06 ) . CONCLUSIONS Fermentation of soy decreased the isoflavone content of the product fed but increased the urinary isoflavonoid recovery . This finding suggests that fermentation increases availability of isoflavones in soy Background In addition to an increased risk for chronic illnesses , obese individuals suffer from social stigmatization and discrimination , and severely obese people may experience greater risk of impaired psychosocial and physical functioning . Lower health-related quality of life ( HRQOL ) has been reported among obese persons seeking intensive treatment for their disease . To aid in the treatment of obesity , meal replacements have been recommended as an effective therapeutic strategy for weight loss , particularly when consumed in the beginning of an intervention . Hence , the objective of this study was to assess the impact of two 12-month weight reduction interventions ( one arm including a meal replacement ) on changes in HRQOL  among obese females . Methods This controlled trial compared two versions of a st and ardized 12-month weight reduction intervention : the weight-reduction lifestyle program without a meal replacement ( LS ) versus the same lifestyle program with the addition of a soy-based meal replacement product ( LSMR ) . 380 women ( LS : n = 190 , LSMR : n = 190 ) were matched by age , gender , and weight ( 51.4 ± 7.0 yrs . , 35.5 ± 3.03 kg/m2 ) . This sample of women all completed the 12-month lifestyle intervention that was part of a larger study . The lifestyle intervention included instruction on exercise/sport , psychology , nutrition , and medicine in 18 theoretical and 40 practical units . Led by a sport physiologist , participants engaged in group-based exercise sessions once or twice a week . To evaluate HRQOL , all participants completed the SF-36 question naire pre- and post-intervention . Anthropometric , clinical , physical performance ( ergometric stress tests ) , and self-reported leisure time physical activity ( hours/day ) data were collected . Results The LSMR sample showed lower baseline HRQOL scores compared to the LS sample in six of eight HRQOL dimensions , most significant in vitality and health perception ( p < 0.01 ) . After the intervention , body weight was reduced in both lifestyle intervention groups ( LS : -6.6±6.6 vs. LSMR -7.6±7.9 kg ) , however , weight loss and HRQOL improvements were more pronounced in the LSMR sample ( LSMR : seven of eight , LS : four of eight dimensions ) . Conclusions Our results show that HRQOL may improve among middle-aged obese females during a st and ardized lifestyle weight reduction program and may be enhanced by consuming a soy-based meal replacement product . Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov Background Statistical mediation analysis can be used to improve the design of obesity prevention and treatment programs by identifying the possible mechanisms through which an intervention achieved its effects . The aim of this study was to identify mediators of weight loss in an Internet-based weight-loss program specifically design ed for overweight men . Methods The Self-Help , Exercise and Diet using Information Technology ( SHED-IT ) program was a 3-month r and omized controlled trial ( Internet-based intervention group vs information only control group ) that was implemented in 2007 with baseline and 6-month follow-up assessment of weight , physical activity and dietary behaviors . Intention-to-treat and per- protocol mediation analyses were conducted using a product-of-coefficients test . Results Participants ( N = 65 ) were overweight and obese male academic ( n = 10 ) and non-academic ( n = 27 ) staff and students ( n = 28 ) from the University of Newcastle , Australia . Mean ( SD ) age = 35.9 ( 11.1 ) years and mean ( SD ) BMI = 30.6 ( 2.8 ) . In the intention-to-treat analysis , both groups lost weight , but relative to the control group , the intervention did not have a statistically significant ' total effect ' on weight , τ = -.507 , p = .716 ( 95 % CI = -3.277 to 2.263 ) . In the per- protocol analysis , the intervention had a statistically significant ' total effect ' on weight , τ = -4.487 , p < .05 ( 95 % CI = -8.208 to -.765 ) . The intervention did not have a statistically significant effect on any of the hypothesized mediators and none of the behavioral variables mediated weight loss in the SHED-IT program . Although participants in the intervention group reduced their fat intake over the study period , the changes did not satisfy the criteria for mediation . Conclusion Few studies have examined the mediators of weight loss in obesity treatment interventions . While none of the hypothesized mediators satisfied the criteria for mediation in the current study , there was some evidence to suggest that overweight men in the SHED-IT intervention reduced their fat intake over the study period . Future obesity treatment and prevention programs should explore behavioral mediators of weight loss using appropriate statistical methods .Trial Registration Australian New Zeal and Clinical Trials Registry No : ANZCTRN12607000481471 Purpose Controversy exists regarding whether increasing dairy intake without energy restriction would lead to weight loss . We aim ed to compare the potential weight-reducing effects of kefir drink ( a probiotic dairy product ) and milk in a dairy-rich non-energy-restricted diet in overweight or obese premenopausal women . Methods One hundred and forty-four subjects were assessed for eligibility in this single-center , multi-arm , parallel-group , r and omized controlled trial . Of these , seventy-five eligible women aged 25–45 years were r and omly assigned to three groups , labeled as control , milk , and kefir , to receive an outpatient dietary regimen for 8 weeks . Subjects in the control group received a diet providing a maintenance level of energy intake , containing 2 servings/day of low-fat dairy products , while those in the milk and kefir groups received a weight maintenance diet , containing 2 additional servings/day ( a total of 4 servings/day ) of dairy products from low-fat milk or commercial kefir drink , respectively . Anthropometric outcomes including weight , body mass index ( BMI ) , and waist circumference ( WC ) were measured every 2 weeks . Results Fifty-eight subjects completed the study . Using analysis of covariance models in the intention-to-treat population ( n = 75 ) , we found that at 8 weeks , subjects in the kefir and milk groups had significantly greater reductions in weight , BMI , and WC compared to those in the control group ( all p < 0.01 ) . However , no such significant differences were found between the kefir and milk groups . Conclusions Kefir drink leads to a similar weight loss , compared with milk , in a dairy-rich non-energy-restricted diet in overweight or obese premenopausal women . However , further studies are warranted Objectives : Soy protein intake has favorable effects on body weight and fat distribution in experimental animals but these effects have not been demonstrated in humans . To compare effects of soy- vs. milk-based meal replacements ( MR ) we assessed weight loss and serum lipoproteins changes for obese subjects who consumed low-energy diets ( LED ) including either milk-based or soy-based MR .  Methods : Overweight or obese women and men ( body mass indices 27–40 kg/m2 ) were r and omly assigned to LED providing 1200 kcal/day , with consumption of five soy-based or two milk-based liquid MR for a 12-week weight loss trial . Serum lipoprotein measurements were obtained at baseline , 6 and 12 weeks . Results : For soy and milk MR groups , subject numbers were , respectively , 51 and 39 r and omized and 30 and 22 completers .  MR use averaged : soy , 3.7/day ; and milk , 1.9/day . Weight losses for completers at 12 weeks were : soy MR , 9.0 % of initial body weight ( 95 % confidence intervals , 7.3–10.6 % ) ; and milk MR , 7.9 % ( 5.8–8.8 % ) with no significant differences . Reductions from baseline in serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol values , respectively , at six weeks were significantly greater ( P < 0.015 ) with soy MR ( 15.2 % and 17.4 % ) than with milk MR ( 7.9 % and 7.7 % ) . Soy MR use was associated with significant reductions in serum triglycerides at 6 and 12 weeks while milk MR use was not . Conclusions : Soy MR use , as part of a low-energy diet , was associated with slightly but not significantly greater weight loss over a 12-week period than milk MR use . These observations confirm previous studies documenting the effectiveness of MR use for weight loss BACKGROUND Soyfoods provide healthful options for school breakfasts and lunches that are lower in saturated fat , cholesterol , fat , and calories and can help meet dem and s for vegetarian choices . Research ers tested acceptance of soy-based options substituted for popular lunch items with a diverse student population . METHODS Research ers conducted a plate waste study in 5 middle schools in Montgomery County , Maryl and , to test the comparability of soy-based alternatives to 4 popular meat-based menu items . Initially , students ranked taste , appearance , and texture of 15 soyfoods to narrow to " hybrid " beef patties , soy-based nuggets , soy-based chicken-less slices , and soy macaroni and cheese . After the meal , trained observers r and omly tagged and collected trays with and without test items and weighed leftover entrées . Research ers used a proportional odds model to compare amounts and proportions of food consumed , and a mixed model to account for differences between schools . RESULTS Students consumed the same amount of soy-based and traditional patties , nuggets , and pasta , and less soy than regular chicken in the salad ( odds ratio 0.122 , p value < .0001 ) . Students consumed higher proportions ( p value < .05 ) of traditional chicken nuggets , beef patties , chicken slices , and pasta compared to soy-based alternative products . On average , soy-based entrées had fewer calories ; less total fat , saturated fat , and cholesterol ; and more iron , fiber , and sodium compared to traditional menu items . CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that middle school students readily consume almost equal numbers of soy-based products compared to popular school lunch items . Soyfoods provide nutritional advantages Calcium from dairy sources is beneficial to weight loss ; however , no studies have compared the effects of dairy to nondairy sources of calcium on weight loss . This pilot study explored differences between soy and skim milk on changes in anthropometric values in premenopausal women . In a prospect i ve r and omized controlled trial , 14 women with overweight/obesity were r and omly assigned to 720 mL soy milk ( n=7 ) or an equivalent volume of skim milk ( n=7 ) daily for 8 weeks . Subjects followed a 500-kcal deficit diet based on metabolic rate data . There were no anthropometric differences between soy and skim milk groups at baseline . Subjects followed an energy-restricted diet ; both groups experienced reductions in kilogram weight ( 4.27+/-2.05 vs 3.76+/-2.25 ; P=0.668 ) , body fat percent ( 1.30+/-1.37 vs 1.87+/-1.45 ; P=0.464 ) , and abdominal circumference ( 11.28+/-5.23 vs 8.66+/-2.51 ; P=0.259 ) while attenuating losses of fat-free mass ( 1.12+/-1.29 vs 0.43+/-1.12 ; P=0.299 ) during the 8-week study . There were no significant differences in weight , fat percent , abdominal circumference , and fat-free mass between groups . To optimize the weight loss effects of calcium , one can consume 720 mL of either soy milk or skim milk daily OBJECTIVE This study investigated the effects of a soy-based low-calorie diet on weight control , body composition , and blood lipid profiles compared with a traditional low-calorie diet . METHODS Thirty obese adults ( mean body mass index 29 - 30 kg/m(2 ) ) were r and omized to two groups . The soy-based low-calorie group consumed soy protein as the only protein source , and the traditional low-calorie group consumed two-thirds animal protein and the rest plant protein in a 1200 kcal/d diet for 8 wk . A diet record was kept everyday throughout the study . Food intake was analyzed before and after the study . Anthropometric data were acquired every week , and biochemical data from before and after the 8-wk experiment were compared . RESULTS Body weight , body mass index , body fat percentage , and waist circumference significantly decreased in both groups ( P < 0.05 ) . The decrease in body fat percentage in the soy group ( 2.2 % , 95 % confidence interval 1.6 - 2.8 ) was greater than that in the traditional group ( 1.4 % , 95 % confidence interval -0.1 to 2.8 ) . Serum total cholesterol concentrations , low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations , and liver function parameters decreased in the soy-based group and were significantly different from measurements in the traditional group ( P < 0.05 ) . No significant change in serum triacylglycerol levels , serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels , and fasting glucose levels was found in the soy or traditional group . CONCLUSION Soy-based low-calorie diets significantly decreased serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations and had a greater effect on reducing body fat percentage than traditional low-calorie diets . Thus , soy-based diets have health benefits in reducing weight and blood lipids Background In the UK around 22 % of men and 24 % of women are obese , and there are varying but worrying levels in other European countries . Obesity is a chronic condition that carries an important health risk . National guidelines , for use in Engl and , on the management of people who are overweight or obese have been published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence ( NICE , 2006 ) . NICE recommendations for primary care teams are : determine the degree of overweight and obesity ; assess lifestyle , comorbidities and willingness to change ; offer multicomponent management of overweight and obesity ; referral to external services when appropriate . This study investigates a tailored intervention to improve the implementation of these recommendations by primary care teams . Methods / Design The study is a cluster r and omised controlled trial . Primary care teams will be recruited from the East Midl and s of Engl and , and r and omised into two study arms : 1 ) the  study group  , in which primary care teams are offered a set of tailored interventions to help implement the NICE guidelines for overweight and obesity ; or 2 ) the control group in which primary care teams continue to practice usual care . The primary outcome is the proportion of overweight or obese patients for whom the primary care team adheres to the NICE guidelines . Secondary outcomes include the proportion of patients with a record of lifestyle assessment , referral to external weight loss services , the proportion of obese patients who lose weight during the intervention period , and the mean weight change over the same period . Discussion Although often recommended , the methods of tailoring implementation interventions to account for the determinants of practice are not well developed . This study is part of a programme of studies seeking to develop the methods of tailored implementation . Trial registration Current Controlled Trials IS RCT N07457585 . Registered 09/08/2013 . R and omisation commenced 30/08/2013 BACKGROUND We recently showed that calcitriol increases oxidative and inflammatory stress ; moreover , inhibition of calcitriol with high-calcium diets decreased both adipose tissue and systemic oxidative and inflammatory stress in obese mice , whereas dairy exerted a greater effect . However , these findings may be confounded by concomitant changes in adiposity . OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of a dairy-rich diet on oxidative and inflammatory stress in overweight and obese subjects in the absence of adiposity changes . DESIGN Twenty subjects ( 10 obese , 10 overweight ) participated in a blinded , r and omized , crossover study of dairy- compared with soy-supplemented eucaloric diets . Two 28-d dietary periods were separated by a 28-d washout period . Inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured on days 0 , 7 , and 28 of each dietary period . RESULTS The dairy-supplemented diet result ed in significant suppression of oxidative stress ( plasma malondialdehyde , 22 % ; 8-isoprostane-F(2alpha ) , 12 % ; P < 0.0005 ) and lower inflammatory markers ( tumor necrosis factor-alpha , 15 % , P < 0.002 ; interleukin-6 , 13 % , P < 0.01 ; monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 , 10 % , P < 0.0006 ) and increased adiponectin ( 20 % , P < 0.002 ) , whereas the soy exerted no significant effect . These effects were evident by day 7 of treatment and increased in magnitude at the end of the 28-d treatment periods . There were no significant differences in response to treatment between overweight and obese subjects for any variable studied . CONCLUSION An increase in dairy food intake produces significant and substantial suppression of the oxidative and inflammatory stress associated with overweight and obesity . This trial was registered at clinical trials.gov as NCT00686426 BACKGROUND The magnitude of the effect of soy protein on lipoprotein concentrations is variable . This discordance is likely attributable to the various forms of soy protein used and to unrecognized shifts in dietary fatty acid , cholesterol , and fiber . OBJECTIVE The objective was to evaluate the effect of soybean processing as well as soy consumption relative to animal protein , independent of alterations in major dietary variables , on cardiovascular disease risk factors and vascular endothelial function . DESIGN Twenty-eight hypercholesterolemic subjects ( LDL cholesterol > /=3.36 mmol/L ) aged > 50 y consumed each of 4 diets for 6-wk periods according to a r and omized crossover design . The diets [ 55 % of energy as carbohydrate , 30 % of energy as fat , and 15 % of energy as protein-7.5 % of energy as experimental protein ( 37.5 g/d ) ] were design ed to contain products made from either whole soybeans , soyflour , or soymilk and were compared with a diet containing an equivalent amount of animal protein ( meat , chicken , and dairy products ) . The  cholesterol , fiber , and fatty acid profiles of the diets were equalized . All food and drink were provided , and body weight was maintained throughout the study . RESULTS No significant differences in blood pressure , vascular endothelial function , or total cholesterol , VLDL-cholesterol , triacylglycerol , apolipoprotein B , or C-reactive protein concentrations were observed between the diets . Consumption of the soymilk diet result ed in a modest decrease ( 4 % ) in LDL-cholesterol concentrations compared with the animal-protein and soyflour diets ( P < 0.05 ) and higher HDL-cholesterol ( 1 % ) and apolipoprotein A-I ( 2 % ) concentrations compared with the soybean and soyflour diets ( P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the consumption of differently processed soy-based products and different types of protein ( animal and soy ) has little clinical effect on cardiovascular disease risk factors , including peripheral endothelial function , when other major dietary variables are held constant There have been over twenty prospect i ve , r and omized trials of the use of probiotics to prevent  necrotizing enterocolitis ( NEC ) in premature babies . A Cochrane meta- analysis of 16 of the studies ( 1 ) including 2842 preterm infants , reported that ‘ enteral probiotics supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of severe NEC ( stage II or more ) ( typical RR , 0.35 ; 95 % CI , 0.24–0.52 ) and mortality ( typical RR , 0.40 ; 95 % CI , 0.27–0.60 ) with no evidence of harm . They concluded , ‘ Enteral supplementation of probiotics prevents severe NEC and all-cause mortality in preterm infants ’ . In a sensitivity analysis , including only the 4 highest quality studies , the results and conclusions were unchanged . For neonates born at < 32 weeks of gestation , the number needed to treat in order to prevent one NEC or one death is twenty . The risks of probiotics are minimal . A more recently published systematic review included several additional r and omized controlled trials , mostly published in the Chinese literature , and analysed a total of 20 publications and over 3800 preterm infants ; it came to similar conclusions as the Cochrane meta- analysis ( 2 ) . Probiotics are used in many European units but only rarely in North-America . In spite of the evidence , this safe and effective treatment for one of the most serious complications of prematurity has never been studied in the United States and perhaps never will . Probiotics will probably never be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) . Instead , they will remain in regulatory purgatory , neither approved nor unapproved , an evidence -based treatment that can not become the st and ard of care , a safe and effective treatment that is not on hospital formularies in the United States . Probiotics fall into a peculiar lacuna of the regulatory system . Most innovative treatments are either drugs or devices , and the regulatory pathways for evaluating and approving them are fairly well defined by federal law . The FDA has jurisdiction over both drugs and devices . Probiotics are neither drugs nor devices , and they are made by companies that generally market health products to the general public . In contrast , in Canada , probiotics are under the jurisdiction of the Natural Health Products Directorate ( NHPD ) which has rigorous requirements for quality control and detailed labelling . But the NHPD does not evaluate overtly medical cl aims made about a product . It has little experience dealing with either a product that could actually decrease major complications or save lives in a particularly fragile population where mortality is rather common . Probiotics are quite inexpensive to manufacture . People can even make them at home . They are in most yogurts . For pennies , some parents buy them for their preterm infants in health food stores . Some mothers have started adding probiotics to their breast milk . In these cases , the medical team can either be unaware a preterm infant is in fact receiving probiotics or tacitly not interfere with these parental initiatives . Given the low cost of probiotics and Articles in the series A Different View are edited by William Meadow ( wlm1@uchicago.edu ) . We encourage you to offer your own different view either in response to A Different View you do not fully agree with , or on an unrelated topic . Send your article to Dr. Meadow ( wlm1@uchicago.edu ) Review question / objective What are the effects of weight management interventions that include a diet component on weight‐related outcomes in pregnant and postpartum women ? The primary objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of weight management interventions which include a diet component and are aim ed at limiting gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention in women . The second objective of this systematic review is to investigate included intervention components with respect to effect on weight‐related outcomes . This may include , but is not limited to : length of intervention , use of face‐to‐face counselling , group or individual consultations , use of other interventions components including exercise , use of goals and use of support tools like food diaries , coaching , including email or text message support . Background Around half of all women of reproductive age are either overweight or obese,1,2,3 with women aged 25‐34 years having a greater risk of substantial weight gain compared with men of all ages.1,4 Excessive gestational weight gain ( GWG ) and postpartum weight retention ( PPWR ) may play a significant role in long term obesity . Having one child doubles the five‐ and 10‐year obesity incidence for women , with many women who gain excessive weight during pregnancy remaining obese permanently.5 Excessive GWG and /or PPWR can also significantly contribute to short‐ and long‐term adverse health outcomes for mother , baby and future pregnancies.6,7 Maternal obesity increases the risk of pregnancy related complications such as pre‐eclampsia , gestational diabetes mellitus , stillbirth and the rate of caesarean section.8 Childhood obesity is a further long term complication of maternal obesity for offspring , which may persist in to adulthood.9 Excess GWG is also a risk factor for PPWR both in the short and long‐term.10,11 Nehring et al. conducted a meta‐ analysis with over 65,000 women showing that , compared to women who gained weight within recommendations during pregnancy , women with GWG above Institute of Medicine weight gain recommendations , 12 retained an additional 3.1 kg and 4.7 kg after three and greater than or equal to 15 years postpartum , respectively.13 The health risk associated with PPWR is highlighted in a study of 151,025 Swedish women followed between 1992 and 2001.The study identified the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for those who gained three or more units of Body Mass Index ( kg/m2 ) between consecutive pregnancies ( an average of two years ) was much higher compared with women whose BMI changed from ‐1.0 and 0.9 units.14 Long‐term chronic disease risk may also be affected by PPWR as weight retention at the end of the first year post‐partum has been found to be a predictor of maternal overweight 15 years later.15With around 14‐20 % of women retaining 5 kg or more 12 months postpartum,16,5 the risk of developing conditions like diabetes , metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease may be increased.17 It becomes evident that interventions which aim to support attainment of healthy weight both in the antenatal and postpartum periods are key health priorities for women during this life stage . Lifestyle factors of overweight , having poor diet quality , and not undertaking enough moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity are amongst the top five predictors of mortality in women.18 Additionally it is noted that , for many women , pregnancy and the postpartum period are associated with a reduction in physical activity.19 It is known that a combination of poor dietary choices , an increase in sedentary time and reduction in physical activity are all contributors to the development of overweight and obesity . With this in mind , current research has focused on lifestyle interventions to limit GWG and PPWR . Thangaratinam et al. review ed 44 r and omized controlled trials ( 7278 women ) where interventions including diet , physical activity or both were evaluated for their influence on maternal weight during  pregnancy.20 Results indicate that all were significantly effective in reducing GWG compared with the control group . More specifically , dietary interventions were the most effective in reducing weight gain , with a mean weight loss of ‐3.84 kg compared with ‐0.72 kg and ‐1.06 kg for physical activity and the mixed ( diet plus physical activity ) approach , respectively.20 This finding is supported by Hill and colleagues ' recent systematic review of theory based interventions to limit GWG.21 Included studies in this review reported an underpinning theory base and were classified as adopting a dietary , physical activity or mixed approach . Hill et al. concluded that studies which included a diet intervention were significantly more effective at limiting GWG.21 In 2011 Tanentsapf et al. review ed the effect of dietary interventions alone for reducing GWG in normal weight , overweight and obese pregnant women.22 This review analysed 13 r and omized controlled trials and quasi‐r and omized controlled trials with a dietary intervention to prevent excessive GWG in women . The review concluded that dietary interventions during pregnancy were effective in reducing GWG with an effect of ‐1.92 kg ( n=1434 ) compared with the control group.22 Tanentsapf et al. identified that trials differed in the conduct of the interventions with various diet and non‐diet related components utilised . Dietary approaches were highly variable with some trials focusing only on calorie restriction and others included additional target macronutrient distribution for intake . Some trials further provided feedback based on maternal weight gain guidelines .12 Interventions also varied in delivery method with a variety of modes used , including face‐to‐face , individual or group consultations and /or written correspondence . The frequency of communication , despite the type or mix , also changed from trial to trial with additional methods via telephone , posted material s , feedback or food diaries utilised . The inclusion of physical activity in addition to diet intervention was also common . Whilst the recent review by Tanentsapf et al.22 identified that dietary interventions are effective in reducing GWG , the review did not investigate the impact that different intervention components , delivery methods or dietary counselling approaches had on gestational weight management . It remains unclear as to which intervention components optimize GWG in women . The impact of lifestyle interventions has also been investigated in the postpartum period . The recent systematic review from van der Pligt et al. reported seven of 11 studies review ed were successful in limiting PPWR.23 As with studies aim ed at limiting GWG , interventions included in van der Pligt et al. 's review differed greatly in their conduct . Six of these seven studies included both dietary and physical activity components for the intervention , with the final successful study including a diet only intervention . Five of the successful studies recruited overweight or obese women only . Intervention time varied considerably in successful studies with some running for as little at ten days , and others up to six months . Bertz et al. demonstrated that their 12‐week behavior modification intervention which targeted diet alone or diet and exercise , including two individual sessions with a dietitian and physical therapist , provision of scales for weight self‐monitoring and bi‐weekly text messages was successful in achieving significant weight loss following the intervention , and sustained at one year.24 The diet intervention and the diet and exercise intervention  yielded significant weight loss compared to the control . Following 12 weeks a reduction of ‐8.3 + /‐ 4.2 kg for diet intervention and ‐6.9 + /‐ 3.0 kg for diet and exercise was observed . Additionally after one year , the diet intervention showed ‐10.2 + /‐ 5.7 kg reduction and ‐7.3 + /‐ 6.3 kg for the diet and exercise intervention (p<0.001).24 Colleran et al. also found significant weight change results by implementing a 16‐week intervention which consisted of weekly individual sessions with a dietitian regarding calorie restriction , two additional home visits regarding exercise , weekly food diary completion and email support.25 The intervention group had greater weight loss compared to the control group ( ‐5.8 kg + /‐ 3.5 kg vs ‐1.6 kg + /‐ 5.4 kg ) . It can be seen that various methods have been utilized in investigating the impact of diet and physical activity interventions on PPWR . The review by van der Pligt et al.23 highlights the impact successful lifestyle interventions can have on postpartum weight change . However , this review did not investigate the different intervention strategies utilized . It remains unclear as to the optimal setting , delivery method , diet strategy , contact frequency or intervention length to limit PPWR . Previous systematic review s for both GWG and PPWR have focused on the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions as a whole for weight management in pregnant and postpartum women.20,23 And despite Tanentsapf et al. 's focus on dietary interventions for GWG,22 much is still unknown about the effectiveness of differing diet interventions over the antenatal and postpartum period . Specifically , the impact of differing diet intervention strategies on maternal weight gain is not known . Firstly , this systematic review will focus on whether  weight management interventions which include a dietary component  are effective in pregnant and postpartum women . In addition to this , this review will investigate the different intervention strategies utilized and their effectiveness in maternal weight management . A search of systematic review protocol data bases has shown that there is no current review underway for this topic
Analysis showed that soy products significantly reduced body weight , BMI , body fat percent and waist circumference in overweight or obese Asian population s ( −0.37 kg , P = 0.010 ; −0.27 kg/m2 , P = 0.042 ; −0.36 % , P = 0.032 ; −0.35 cm , P = 0.049 ) and more significant effects were observed in non-menopausal women reduced body weight ( −0.59 kg , P = 0.041 ) , BMI ( −0.59 , P = 0.041 ) and waist circumference ( −0.59 cm , P = 0.041 ) in overweight or obese population s. Conclusion : This meta- analysis showed that soy products  have weight loss effects , mainly due to soy protein , isoflavone and soy fiber
Background : The effect of soy products on the weight of overweight or obese people  is controversial , so we aim ed to conduct a systematic review and a meta- analysis of published r and omized controlled trials to analyze whether supplementation with soy products can help them to lose weight .