The study included more than 500 adults aged between 65 and 84, with an average body mass index of 34, which falls within the obesity range. The majority of participants were women and 88% were white.
Participants were asked to follow one of three diets:
The DASH diet focuses on heart health and lowering blood pressure while reducing sodium (includes eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in limited amounts).
The MIND diet combines the Mediterranean and DASH diets, focusing on brain health and reducing the risk of dementia, while encouraging the consumption of berries and brain-friendly foods.
The usual Western system : a control group for comparison.
Followers of the DASH and MIND diets were also asked to reduce their daily calorie intake by 250 calories, equivalent to a chocolate bar or three boiled eggs, without setting a strict daily calorie target.
The results showed that weight loss was associated with significant health improvements:
114 participants lost more than 10% of their weight, experienced an 8% decrease in bad cholesterol (LDL), and a 12% increase in good cholesterol (HDL).
Levels of the hormone "adiponectin" increased by 54%, which improves the body's response to insulin and reduces inflammation.
Blood sugar levels decreased by about 6% compared to participants who did not lose weight.
The researchers noted that the type of diet did not significantly affect health outcomes; rather, reducing daily calorie intake was the main factor behind the improvement.
The researchers wrote: "The trial showed that weight loss through mild calorie restriction is associated with positive improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors in overweight and obese older adults."
The team noted that the main limitation of the study was the exclusion of people with cognitive impairment or dementia, which prevented an assessment of the potential brain benefits of both diets.
The study was published in the International Journal of Obesity.
