Simple messages to improve dietary quality: A pilot investigation
Olendzki, Barbara C. ; Ma, Yunsheng ; Schneider, Kristin L. ; Merriam, Philip A. ; Culver, Annie L. ; Ockene, Ira S. ; Pagoto, Sherry L.
Citations
Student Authors
Faculty Advisor
Academic Program
Document Type
Publication Date
Subject Area
Embargo Expiration Date
Link to Full Text
Abstract
Public health recommendations for a healthy diet often involve complex messages, requiring in-depth knowledge for understanding and compliance. The present study compared the feasibility and initial efficacy of two simple messages (a high fiber diet or a low saturated fat diet) to a combination message (high fiber and low saturated fat) on the potential to impact dietary quality and metabolic health. Conclusions: A simple dietary message appears to improve overall dietary quality and aid in weight management. Simple messages are a novel approach which could make a significant impact on the prevention and treatment of chronic disease as well as weight management. Results support the need for a larger randomized controlled trial that is powered to examine the efficacy of a simplified dietary recommendation for dietary quality and metabolic health. It would be worth exploring the impact of simple messages in a larger trial to determine their usefulness as simple public health messages as an alternative the current complex recommendations.
Source
Olendzki B, Ma Y, Schneider K, Merriam P, Culver A, Ockene I, Pagoto S. Simple messages to improve dietary quality: A pilot investigation. American Dietetic Association Annual Meeting, October 2008, Chicago, Ill.