Baseline parameters and fluctuation are associated with change to weight, lipid & metabolic syndrome variables during a 12 month dietary intervention trial: results of the Healthy Eating to Reduce Overweight (HERO) study

Diabetes is associated with a range of co-morbidities and increased risk

of cardiovascular disease. This study investigated factors associated with

changes to weight, lipid and metabolic syndrome variables during a 12

month dietary intervention trial. Fifty male and female participants with

type-2 diabetes were included in the study (3575 years), BMI >25 and

<35 kg/m2 and waist circumference >102 cm for men or >94 cm for

women. Longitudinal patterns of change in physical activity, eating

behaviour, weight, lipid and metabolic syndrome variables were examined,

within and between groups, with paired and independent t-tests,

respectively. Regression was used to investigate associations between

baseline values, indices of fluctuation (root mean square RMSE of

regression over time) and variable changes over time (slope of the

regression over time). All variables decreased over time, except HDL

cholesterol which increased (P < 0.05). Baseline values and fluctuations

were associated with variable changes (slope), particularly to metabolic

syndrome parameters. Interestingly, fluctuations across time were consistently

associated with positive health outcomes; a result contrary to

the literature.