Baseline dietary intake in the Saku Control Obesity Program (SCOP)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We planed a moderate-intensity lifestyle intervention program for overweight Japanese populations, the Saku Control Obesity Program (SCOP), a clinic-based, open randomized, cross-over trial. The purpose of the present article describes the baseline dietary characteristics of the study subjects.
METHODS: Dietary intake at baseline was assessed using a validated self-administered diet history questionnaire in overweight subjects (mean body mass index: 30.8kg/m²) in the intervention and the control groups (n = 119 and 116, respectively).
RESULTS: Mean value of energy intakes was not significantly different between the intervention and the control groups (2485 and 2426 kcal/day, respectively). Mean intake of nutrients and foods was generally similar between the groups although higher intake of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin, and dairy product and lower intake of pulses and seaweeds in the intervention than in the control groups were observed.
CONCLUSIONS: Mean dietary intake level of energy, nutrients, and foods at baseline was similar between the intervention and the control groups although small significant difference was observed for a few dietary variables. These results suggest the success of randomization in the present study at least regarding dietary intake.