Randomized Explanatory Trial of a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Weight Loss Intervention for Primary Care Practices (DELISH)

Title

Randomized Explanatory Trial of a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Weight Loss Intervention for Primary Care Practices (Delicious Eating for Life in Southern Homes – DELISH)

Funding Dates

6/2019-5/2024

Description

This study will compare a new weight loss program that focuses on a healthy eating pattern, with standard weight loss programs, like Weight Watchers.™ HPDP Researchers have developed an adapted version of the Mediterranean eating pattern to be more acceptable and realistic for southerners; this adapted version is known as “Med-South.” Those who take part in the study will be randomly assigned to either the Med-South weight loss program or a standard weight loss program. Both programs will last for 2 years with measurement visits at the start of the study and at 4-, 12- and 24-month follow-up. While the primary outcome measured by the trial will be weight loss at 24 months, researchers will collect other data which may show additional health benefits of the Med-South diet. The study team will measure blood markers of inflammation, which are known to improve with better diet quality. Researchers will also measure participants’ skin carotenoid levels, which increase with greater fruit and vegetable consumption.

Research Areas

Cardiovascular Health, Obesity, & Diabetes
Nutrition & Physical Activity

Principal Investigators

Carmen Samuel-Hodge, RD, PhD
Thomas Keyserling, MD, MPH

Funding

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)