Modifying the diet to increase satiety could help in preventing weight gain

Introduction The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term effects of two different types of meals consumed at lunch on satiety, on glycemia and on the total calories consumed at dinner. Method The characteristics of the two lunches were: 1) they were isocaloric; 2) they had different composition of macronutrients and, based on the available literature, one was expected to be “highly satiating” while the other was expected to be “poorly satiating”. The two different lunches were compared in two different days. The two different days were chosen so to be comparable in term of working hours and physical activity level and consequently in caloric expenditure by each subject. Volunteers were free to choose breakfast according to their needs but were requested to have an identical breakfast on the two test days. At dinner, in both test days, it was offered the same kind of dinner to allow for comparison. At dinner, all participants were free to eat as much food until they considered themselves fully satisfied. On the following «test day» they should eat the same variety of food although the quantities were left free. All food consumed at dinner was recorded to allow calculation of the total consumed calories. Results The analysis of these data suggest that a “satiating lunch” has a large influence on the amount of calories consumed during the following dinner and on the feeling of satiety perceived during the afternoon. Discussion This study is suggesting that a better attention on food satiation qualities may have a profound effect in preventing overweight and obesity. It is well know that the western world is experiencing an obesity epidemic with its burden of associated disease. Overweight and obesity in the western world are clearly associated with increasing age. Prevention of excessive weight in the elderly will allow a more active and consequently healthier life style.