Karlijn A.M. Geurts1, Carmen A.W. Dietvorst1,2, Oscar Lodari3, Kirsten A.C. Berk1
1Department of Internal Medicine, division of Dietetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
2Department of Internal Medicine, Sint Franciscus Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
3Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Magna Grecia, Catanzaro, Italy
Background: Various dietary approaches, such as continues calorie-restricted (CCR) and intermittent calorie-restricted (ICR) diets have demonstrated success in weight and glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, concerns remain regarding disproportionate decrease in fat-free mass and resting energy expenditure (REE). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of a 3-month intermittent calorie-restricted diet and continuous calorie-restricted diet on body composition and REE.
Methods: People with T2D and overweight/obesity participating in two ongoing randomized controlled trials in the Netherlands were included, to determine the difference between ICR and CCR. Outcomes were body composition, REE, and glycaemic control within and between the groups. (Non) parametric tests and linear regression analysis were performed for the statistical analysis of results.
Results: Sixty-seven participants were included (Table 1). Both groups experienced significant reductions in weight, waist circumference and fat mass Fat-free mass remained stable in the CCR group but decreased in the ICR group. REE decreased significantly only in the CCR group. HbA1c improved significantly only in the CCR group (p=0.028), while diabetes medication score decreased significantly in both groups (p<0.001), indicating better diabetes control in both groups. There were no significant between-group differences in these parameters.
Discussion: Both ICR and CCR diets were beneficial in improving body composition and diabetes control after three months, with a better preservation of resting energy expenditure during ICR, indicating a possible benefit for weight management.