At baseline, the participants were over-weight in the same proportion as the general population. A significant positive correlation was found between relative body weights and serum cholesterol levels. During the first four months after diet change in the First Study, there was a substantial mean weight loss by men of the open centers of about six pounds, or about 3 per cent of mean weight of 178 pounds. Invariably greatest losses were observed in men on the B diet, that of lowest caloric density. Following this loss there was a slow tendency to regain weight during the next four months of the experimental period. Thereafter to the end of the Study mean weights were relatively stable. The Faribault Center changes were smaller throughout and the general tendency was a slight gain, amounting to less than two pounds by the end of the Study. Observed weight losses during the initial months did not correspond with total food energy intakes recorded by participants. The Food Records reported a greater decrease of intake than indicated by weight loss. The discrepancy is ascribed to incomplete reporting of intake, and/or to the possibility that intake was not entirely typical during weeks Food Records were kept. A similar early discrepancy was recorded in the Second Study, except for the Z (open control) group. After the twelfth week on assigned diet, correspondence between body weights and Food Record caloric values was reasonably close. Weights were stable during the Extended Study. During the Second Study, mean body weights in the open centers were much more stable than First Study weights; losses in the Second Study after change of diet were small.
© 1968 American Heart Association, Inc.
Chapter XI: Body Weight Changes