Association between Mediterranean and Nordic diet scores and changes in weight and waist circumference: influence of FTO and TCF7L2 loci. Effects of a healthy Nordic diet on cardiovascular risk factors in hypercholesterolaemic subjects: a randomized controlled trial (NORDIET). Supplementation of Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 and Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032 in Diet-Induced Obese Mice Is Associated with Gut Microbial Changes and Reduction in Obesity Plasma alkylresorcinols reflect important whole-grain components of a healthy Nordic diet. Influence of a prudent diet on circulating cathepsin S in humans The effect of energy restriction, walking, and exercise on lower extremity lean body mass in obese women with osteoarthritis of the knee Effects of workplace-based dietary and/or physical activity interventions for weight management targeting healthcare professionals: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials Plasma alkylresorcinols C17:0/C21:0 ratio, a biomarker of relative whole-grain rye intake, is associated to insulin sensitivity: a randomized study A comparison of megestrol acetate, nandrolone decanoate and dietary counselling for HIV associated weight loss. Exogenous androgens influence body composition and regional body fat distribution in obese postmenopausal women--a clinical research center study. Influence of a healthy Nordic diet on serum fatty acid composition and associations with blood lipoproteins – results from the NORDIET study Effects of a popular exercise and weight loss program on weight loss, body composition, energy expenditure and health in obese women
BACKGROUND Several studies have shown that adherence to the Mediterranean Diet measured by using the Mediterranean diet score ( MDS ) is associated with lower obesity risk . The newly proposed Nordic Diet could hold similar beneficial effects . Because of the increasing focus on the interaction between diet and genetic predisposition to adiposity , studies should consider both diet and genetics . OBJECTIVE We investigated whether FTO rs9939609 and TCF7L2 rs7903146 modified the association between the MDS and Nordic diet score ( NDS ) and changes in weight ( Δweight ) , waist circumference ( ΔWC ) , and waist circumference adjusted for body mass index ( BMI ) ( ΔWC BMI ) . DESIGN We conducted a case-cohort study with a median follow-up of 6.8 y that included 11,048 participants from 5 European countries ; 5552 of these subjects were cases defined as individuals with the greatest degree of unexplained weight gain during follow-up . A r and omly selected subcohort included 6548 participants , including 5496 noncases . Cases and noncases were compared in analyses by using logistic regression . Continuous traits ( ie , Δweight , ΔWC , and ΔWC BMI ) were analyzed by using linear regression models in the r and om subcohort . Interactions were tested by including interaction terms in models . RESULTS A higher MDS was significantly inversely associated with case status ( OR : 0.98 ; 95 % CI : 0.96 , 1.00 ) , ΔWC ( β = -0.010 cm/y ; 95 % CI : -0.020 , -0.001 cm/y ) , and ΔWC BMI ( β = -0.008 ; 95 % CI:-0.015 , -0.001 ) per 1-point increment but not Δweight ( P = 0.53 ) . The NDS was not significantly associated with any outcome . There was a borderline significant interaction between the MDS and TCF7L2 rs7903146 on weight gain ( P = 0.05 ) , which suggested a beneficial effect of the MDS only in subjects who carried 1 or 2 risk alleles . FTO did not modify observed associations . CONCLUSIONS A high MDS is associated with a lower ΔWC and ΔWC BMI , regardless of FTO and TCF7L2 risk alleles . For Δweight , findings were less clear , but the effect may depend on the TCF7L2 rs7903146 variant . The NDS was not associated with anthropometric changes during follow-up OBJECTIVE the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a healthy Nordic diet ( ND ) on cardiovascular risk factors . DESIGN AND SUBJECTS in a r and omized controlled trial ( NORDIET ) conducted in Sweden , 88 mildly hypercholesterolaemic subjects were r and omly assigned to an ad libitum ND or control diet ( subjects ' usual Western diet ) for 6 weeks . Participants in the ND group were provided with all meals and foods . Primary outcome measurements were low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol , and secondary outcomes were blood pressure ( BP ) and insulin sensitivity ( fasting insulin and homeostatic model assessment -insulin resistance ) . The ND was rich in high-fibre plant foods , fruits , berries , vegetables , whole grains , rapeseed oil , nuts , fish and low-fat milk products , but low in salt , added sugars and saturated fats . RESULTS the ND contained 27 % , 52 % , 19 % and 2 % of energy from fat , carbohydrate , protein and alcohol , respectively . In total , 86 of 88 subjects r and omly assigned to diet completed the study . Compared with controls , there was a decrease in plasma cholesterol ( -16 % , P < 0.001 ) , LDL cholesterol ( -21 % , P < 0.001 ) , high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol ( -5 % , P < 0.01 ) , LDL/HDL ( -14 % , P < 0.01 ) and apolipoprotein (apo)B/apoA1 ( -1 % , P < 0.05 ) in the ND group . The ND reduced insulin ( -9 % , P = 0.01 ) and systolic BP by -6.6 ± 13.2 mmHg ( -5 % , P < 0.05 ) compared with the control diet . Despite the ad libitum nature of the ND , body weight decreased after 6 weeks in the ND compared with the control group ( -4 % , P < 0.001 ) . After adjustment for weight change , the significant differences between groups remained for blood lipids , but not for insulin sensitivity or BP . There were no significant differences in diastolic BP or triglyceride or glucose concentrations . CONCLUSIONS a healthy ND improves blood lipid profile and insulin sensitivity and lowers blood pressure at clinical ly relevant levels in hypercholesterolaemic subjects Objective To investigate the functional effects of probiotic treatment on the gut microbiota , as well as liver and adipose gene expression in diet-induced obese mice . Design Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet ( HFD ) for 8 weeks to induce obesity , and then r and omized to receive HFD+probiotic ( Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 and Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032 , n = 9 ) or HFD+placebo ( n = 9 ) for another 10 weeks . Normal diet ( ND ) fed mice ( n = 9 ) served as non-obese controls . Results Diet-induced obese mice treated with probiotics showed reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation as well as lowered plasma insulin , leptin , total-cholesterol and liver toxicity biomarkers . A total of 151,061 pyrosequencing reads for fecal microbiota were analyzed with a mean of 6,564 , 5,274 and 4,464 reads for the ND , HFD+placebo and HFD+probiotic groups , respectively . Gut microbiota species were shared among the experimental groups despite the different diets and treatments . The diversity of the gut microbiota and its composition were significantly altered in the diet-induced obese mice and after probiotic treatment . We observed concurrent transcriptional changes in adipose tissue and the liver . In adipose tissue , pro-inflammatory genes ( TNFα , IL6 , IL1β and MCP1 ) were down-regulated in mice receiving probiotic treatment . In the liver , fatty acid oxidation-related genes ( PGC1α , CPT1 , CPT2 and ACOX1 ) were up-regulated in mice receiving probiotic treatment . Conclusions The gut microbiota of diet-induced obese mice appears to be modulated in mice  receiving probiotic treatment . Probiotic treatment might reduce diet-induced obesity and modulate genes associated with metabolism and inflammation in the liver and adipose tissue Biomarkers of dietary intake can be important tools in nutrition research . Our aim was to assess whether plasma alkylresorcinol ( AR ) and β-carotene concentrations could be used as dietary biomarkers for whole-grain , fruits and vegetables in a healthy Nordic diet ( ND ) . Participants ( n = 166 ) , 30 - 65 y with a body mass index of 27 - 40 kg/m(2 ) and two more features of metabolic syndrome ( International Diabetes Federation definition , slightly modified ) , were recruited through six centers in the Nordic countries and r and omly assigned to an ND or control diet for 18 or 24 wk , depending on study center . Plasma AR and β-carotene were analyzed and nutrient intake calculated from 4-d food records . Median fiber intake increased in the ND group from 2.5 g/MJ at baseline to 4.1 g/MJ ( P < 0.001 ) at end point ( week 18 or 24 ) , and median ( IQR ) fasting plasma total AR concentration increased from 73 ( 88 ) to 106 ( 108 ) nmol/L , or 45 % , from baseline to end point ( P < 0.001 ) . The AR concentration was significantly higher in the ND group ( P < 0.001 ) than in the control group at end point . β-Carotene intake tended to increase in the ND group ( P = 0.07 ) , but the plasma β-carotene concentration did not change significantly throughout the study and did not differ between the groups at follow-up . In conclusion , an ND result ed in higher dietary fiber intake and increased plasma total AR concentration compared with the control diet , showing that the total AR concentration might be a valid biomarker for an ND in which whole-grain wheat and rye are important components . No significant difference in plasma β-carotene concentrations was observed between the ND and control groups , suggesting that β-carotene may not be a sensitive enough biomarker of the ND Background Increased circulating cathepsin S levels have been linked to increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases and cancer . However , whether cathepsin S is a modifiable risk factor is unclear . We aim ed to investigate the effects of a prudent diet on plasma cathepsin S levels in healthy individuals . Findings Explorative analyses of a r and omized study were performed in 88 normal to slightly overweight and hyperlipidemic men and women ( aged 25 to 65 ) that were r and omly assigned to ad libitum prudent diet , i.e. healthy Nordic diet ( ND ) or a control group ( habitual Western diet ) for 6 weeks . Whereas all foods in the ND were provided , the control group was advised to consume their habitual diet throughout the study . The ND was in line with dietary recommendations , e.g. low in saturated fats , sugars and salt , but high in plant-based foods rich in fibre and unsaturated fats . The ND significantly decreased cathepsin S levels ( from 20.1 ( + /-4.0 SD ) to 19.7 μg/L ( + /-4.3 SD ) ) compared with control group ( from 18.2 ( + /-2.9 SD ) to 19.1 μg/L ( + /-3.8 SD ) ) . This difference remained after adjusting for sex and change in insulin sensitivity ( P = 0.03 ) , and near significant after adjusting for baseline cathepsin S levels ( P = 0.06 ) , but not for change in weight or LDL-C. Changes in cathepsin S levels were directly correlated with change in LDL-C. Conclusions Compared with a habitual control diet , a provided ad libitum healthy Nordic diet decreased cathepsin S levels in healthy individuals , possibly mediated by weight loss or lowered LDL-C. These differences between groups in cathepsin S were however not robust and therefore need further investigation Abstract Two hundred and twenty-eight Japanese women , aged 45–69 years , with osteoarthritis of the knee ( knee OA ) and a body mass index of greater than 26.4 self-selected one of the following interventions : ( 1 ) a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID ) alone ( NA group ; n = 52 ) , ( 2 ) the NSAID with nonweight-bearing exercises ( NE ; n = 49 ) , ( 3 ) the NSAID combined with walking ( NW ; n = 35 ) , ( 4 ) an energy restriction diet plus the NSAID ( ND ; n = 29 ) , ( 5 ) the diet combined with the NSAID and strengthening exercises ( NDE ; n = 37 ) , or ( 6 ) the diet combined with the NSAID and walking ( NDW ; n = 26 ) . Body weight and lower extremity lean body mass ( L-LBM ) , assessed with segmental bioelectrical impedance , were measured at the outset and at 8 weeks in the six therapy groups . Interval changes in L-LBM and L-LBM per body weight ( L-LBM/weight ) were compared among the six groups at the conclusion . The Lequesne index can index of severity of osteoarthritis of the knee at the final assessment , compared with that at the initial assessment , was significantly decreased in the NE group , but not in the NW or the NA groups ( P = 0.023 ) . There was a significant increase in the L-LBM/weight in the NE group , but not in the NA or NW groups ( P = 0.002 between NE and NA ; P = 0.019 between NE and NW ) . There was a significant reduction in the Lequesne index in the NDE group in comparison with the ND and NDW groups ( P = 0.0001 between NDE and ND ; P = 0.0001 between NDE and NDW ) . There was a significant increase in L-LBM/weight in the NDE group , but not in the NDW or the ND groups ( P = 0.011 ) . Adjunctive therapy with nonweight-bearing lower extremity exercises appears to be more efficacious for prevention of lower extremity loss of muscle mass than adjunctive therapy with walking for obese women with knee OA 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 Background / Objectives : Few studies have used biomarkers of whole-grain intake to study its relation to glucose metabolism . We aim ed to investigate the association between plasma alkylresorcinols ( AR ) , a biomarker of whole-grain rye and wheat intake , and glucose metabolism in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS).Subjects/ Methods : Participants were 30–65 years of age , with body mass index 27–40 kg/m2 and had MetS without diabetes . Individuals were recruited through six centers in the Nordic countries and r and omized to a healthy Nordic diet ( ND , n=96 ) , rich in whole-grain rye and wheat , or a control diet ( n=70 ) , for 18–24 weeks . In addition , associations between total plasma AR concentration and C17:0/C21:0 homolog ratio as an indication of the relative whole-grain rye intake , and glucose metabolism measures from oral glucose tolerance tests were investigated in pooled ( ND+control ) regression analyses at 18/24 weeks . Results : ND did not improve glucose metabolism compared with control diet , but the AR C17:0/C21:0 ratio was inversely associated with fasting insulin concentrations ( P=0.002 ) and positively associated with the insulin sensitivity indices Matsuda ISI ( P=0.026 ) and disposition index ( P=0.022 ) in pooled analyses at 18/24 weeks , even after adjustment for confounders . The AR C17:0/C21:0 ratio was not significantly associated with insulin secretion indices . Total plasma AR concentration was not related to fasting plasma glucose or fasting insulin at 18/24 weeks . Conclusions : The AR C17:0/C21:0 ratio , an indicator of relative whole-grain rye intake , is associated with increased insulin sensitivity in a population with This r and omized , prospect i ve study compared three treatments , n and rolone decanoate ( ND ) , megestrol acetate ( MA ) or dietary counselling , for managing human immunodeficiency syndrome ( HIV ) associated weight loss .  It was centred on a Tertiary referral hospital , Sydney , Australia . Fifteen patients were r and omized to receive ND ( 100 mg/fortnight ) , or MA ( 400 mg/day ) or dietary counselling for 12 weeks . Those patients r and omized to dietary counselling were further r and omized to receive n and rolone or megestrol after completing the dietary counselling arm . Weight , fat free mass ( FFM ) , percentage body fat mass ( FM ) , dietary intake and appetite were assessed before commencing and at the completion of each treatment arm . Weight increased significantly in all treatment arms ( dietary counselling 1.13 kg + /- 0.36 , n and rolone 4.01 kg + /- 1.68 , megestrol 10.20 kg + /- 4.51 , p < 0.05 paired t-test ) . FFM increased significantly in patients receiving ND ( 3.54 + /- 1.98 kg , p=0.001 ) and those receiving MA ( 2.76 + /- 0.55 kg , p=0.002 ) , whereas the change in those receiving dietary counselling alone was not significant . Percentage body fat mass increased significantly only in those receiving MA ( 7.77 + /- 4.85 % , p=0.049 ) . The change in weight and percentage body fat mass was significantly greater in those receiving MA than the other two treatment arms . The increase in FFM was significantly greater in both the n and rolone and megestrol arms than the dietary counselling arm . It was concluded that ND and MA both result ed in an increase in FFM greater than dietary counselling alone . Megestrol produced a significantly greater increase in weight , percentage fat mass , intake and appetite than did the other two treatment arms , suggesting it may be the preferred agent , particularly in a palliative care setting in which weight , appetite and intake increase are desirable without regard to the composition of the body . The long-term use of these agents in people with HIV should be review ed in the context of improved survival on highly active antiretroviral therapy regimens Abdominal fat distribution is influenced by and rogen levels in both men and women . The purpose of this study was to assess the effects on fat distribution of administering n and rolone decanoate ( ND ; an anabolic steroid with weak and rogenic activity ) or spironolactone ( SP ; an anti and rogen ) in obese postmenopausal women . The design was a r and omized , placebo-controlled , 9-month trial with simultaneous calorie restriction for weight loss . Women in all three groups lost comparable amounts of weight , but the ND-treated women gained lean mass relative to the other two groups ( P < 0.0005 ) and lost more body fat than women in the SP group ( P < 0.01 ) . The resting metabolic rate also increased slightly in the ND group . ND treatment produced a gain in visceral fat , as determined by computed tomography scan , and a relatively greater loss of sc abdominal fat . SP-treated women lost significantly less sc fat than the other two groups . Serum cholesterol decreased in the placebo group , but increased slightly in the other two groups ( significant for SP vs. placebo , P < 0.05 ) . High density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly in the ND-treated women . There were no significant changes in fasting glucose or insulin sensitivity . We conclude that administration of exogenous and rogens modulates body composition in obese postmenopausal women and independently affects visceral and sc abdominal fat Background The fatty acid ( FA ) composition of serum lipids is related to the quality of dietary fat intake . Objective To investigate the effects of a  healthy Nordic diet ( ND ) on the FA composition of serum cholesterol esters ( CE-FA ) and assess the associations between changes in the serum CE-FA composition and blood lipoproteins during a controlled dietary intervention . Design The NORDIET trial was a 6-week r and omised , controlled , parallel-group dietary intervention study that included 86 adults ( 53±8 years ) with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) . Serum CE-FA composition was measured using gas chromatography . Diet history interviews were conducted , and daily intake was assessed using checklists . Results Food and nutrient intake data indicated that there was a reduction in the intake of fat from dairy and meat products and an increase in the consumption of fatty fish with the ND . The levels of saturated fatty acids in cholesterol esters ( CE-SFA ) 14:0 , 15:0 , and 18:0 , but not 16:0 , showed a significant decrease after intake of ND compared to the control diet ( p<0.01 ) . Also , a significant increase in serum 22:6n – 3 was observed compared with the control diet ( p<0.01 ) . The changes in CE-SFA 14:0 , 15:0 , and 18:0 correlated positively with changes in LDL-C , HDL-C , LDL-C/HDL-C , ApoA1 , and ApoB ( p<0.01 ) , respectively , whereas the changes in polyunsaturated fatty acids in cholesterol esters ( CE-PUFA ) 22:6n – 3 were negatively correlated with changes in the corresponding serum lipids . Conclusions The decreased intake of saturated fat and increased intake of n-3 PUFA in a  healthy ND is partly reflected by changes in the serum CE-FA composition , which are associated with an improved serum lipoprotein pattern Objective To determine the safety and efficacy of altering the ratio of carbohydrate and protein in low-energy diets in conjunction with a popular exercise program in obese women . Design Matched , prospect i ve clinical intervention study to assess efficacy of varying ratios of carbohydrate and protein intake in conjunction with a regular exercise program . Participants One-hundred sixty one sedentary , obese , pre-menopausal women ( 38.5 ± 8.5 yrs , 164.2 ± 6.7 cm , 94.2 ± 18.8 kg , 34.9 ± 6.4 kg·m-2 , 43.8 ± 4.2 % ) participated in this study . Participants were weight stable and not participating in additional weight loss programs . Methods Participants were assigned to either a no exercise + no diet control ( CON ) , a no diet + exercise group ( ND ) , or one of four diet + exercise groups ( presented as kcals ; % carbohydrate : protein : fat ) : 1 ) a high energy , high carbohydrate , low protein diet ( HED ) [ 2,600 ; 55:15:30 % ] , 2 ) a very low carbohydrate , high protein diet ( VLCHP ) [ 1,200 kcals ; 63:7:30 % ] , 3 ) a low carbohydrate , moderate protein diet ( LCMP ) [ 1,200 kcals ; 50:20:30 % ] and 4 ) a high carbohydrate , low protein diet ( HCLP ) [ 1,200 kcals ; 55:15:30 % ] . Participants in exercise groups ( all but CON ) performed a pneumatic resistance-based , circuit training program under supervision three times per week . Measurements Anthropometric , body composition , resting energy expenditure ( REE ) , fasting blood sample s and muscular fitness assessment s were examined at baseline and weeks 2 , 10 and 14 . Results All groups except CON experienced significant reductions ( P < 0.05 – 0.001 ) in waist circumference over 14 weeks . VLCHP , LCHP and LPHC participants experienced similar but significant ( P < 0.05 – 0.001 ) reductions in body mass when compared to other groups . Delta responses indicated that fat loss after 14 weeks was significantly greatest in VLCHP ( 95 % CI : -5.2 , -3.2 kg ) , LCMP ( -4.0 , -1.9 kg ) and HCLP ( -3.8 , -2.1 kg ) when compared to other groups . Subsequent reductions in % body fat were significantly greater in VLCHP , LCMP and HCLP participants . Initial dieting decreased ( P < 0.05 ) relative REE similarly in all groups . All exercise groups significantly ( P < 0.05 ) improved in muscular fitness , but these improvements were not different among groups . Favorable but non-significant mean changes occurred in lipid panels , glucose and HOMA-IR . Leptin levels decreased ( P < 0.05 ) in all groups , except for CON , after two weeks of dieting and remained lower throughout the 14 week program . Exercise participation result ed in significant improvements in quality of life and body image . Conclusion Exercise alone ( ND ) appears to have minimal impact on measured outcomes with positive outcomes apparent when exercise is combined with a hypoenergetic diet . Greater improvements in waist circumference and body composition occurred when carbohydrate is replaced in the diet with protein . Weight loss in all diet groups ( VLCHP , LCMP and HCLP ) was primarily fat and stimulated improvements in markers of cardiovascular disease risk , body composition , energy expenditure and psychosocial parameters
Qualitative assessment of other anthropometric indices also showed a beneficial effect of this dietary pattern in improving body fat and BMI values ; however , these findings are not conclusive because of limited number of studies .
Adherence to the ND  significantly improves body weight ; however , there is also no certainty that this diet is effective for improving other anthropometric indices .
Studies on the effect of the Nordic diet ( ND ) on body weight and adiposity indices were conflicting .
This study targeted to perform a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled clinical trials ( RCTs ) examined the effect of the ND on body weight and composition .