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Background The potential of adopting a healthy lifestyle to fight non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is not fully used. We hypothesised that the Healthy Lifestyle Community Programme (HLCP, cohort 1) reduces weight and other risk markers compared with baseline and control.
Methods 24-month, non-randomised, controlled intervention trial. Intervention: intensive 8-week phase with seminars, workshops and coaching focusing on a healthy lifestyle (eg, plant-based diet, physical activity, stress management) and group support followed by a 22-month alumni phase. Weight reduction as the primary outcome and other NCD risk parameters were assessed at six time points. Participants were recruited from the general population. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted.
Results 143 participants (58±12 years, 71% female) were enrolled (91 in the intervention (IG) and 52 in the control group (CG)). Groups’ baseline characteristics were comparable, except participants of IG were younger, more often females, overweight and reported lower energy intake (kcal/day). Weight significantly decreased in IG at all follow-ups by −1.5 ± 1.9 kg after 8 weeks to −1.9 ± 4.0 kg after 24 months and more than in CG (except after 24 months). Being male, in the IG or overweight at baseline and having a university degree predicted more weight loss. After the intervention, there were more participants in the IG with a ‘high’ adherence (+12%) to plant-based food patterns. The change of other risk parameters was most distinct after 8 weeks and in people at elevated risk. Diabetes-related risk parameters did not improve.
Conclusion The HLCP was able to reduce weight and to improve aspects of the NCD risk profile. Weight loss in the IG was moderate but maintained for 24 months. Participants of lower educational status might benefit from even more practical units. Future interventions should aim to include more participants at higher risk.
Trial registration number DRKS00018821.
Introduction: Many disease processes are accompanied and promoted
by increased inflammation in the body. Increased concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in the blood are an indicator of subclinical inflammation, increased disease risk, and an increased risk of early death. A healthy plant-based diet and increased physical activity have been shown to reduce hs-CRP concentrations.
Objectives: Our objective was to test if a healthy lifestyle intervention program can improve hs-CRP levels and other risk factors.
Methodology: We are conducting a non-randomized, controlled intervention study with 6 times of measurement (baseline, after 2.5, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months). Participants in the intervention group (n = 104) took part in a 2.5-month intensive lifestyle program focusing on a plant-based diet (PBD), physical activity, stress management and group support. Currently they are in the less intensive phase (monthly seminars) which will be completed after 24 months. The control group (n = 62) did not take part in any program. In both groups hs-CRP was assessed, and participants with an infection/common cold at any of the times of measurement were excluded from the analyses.
Results: In the intervention group (n = 97) we observed a reduction in hsCRP from baseline to 2.5 months (p < 0.001). In the control group (n = 46) hs-CRP levels increased non-significantly. The changes from baseline to 2.5 months were significantly different between intervention and control (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Our program led to a clinically relevant reduction in hs-CRP.
Continued follow-up will show if this improvement can be maintained in the intervention group. Our study confirms that a PBD and healthier lifestyle choices can lower hs-CRP.
Background
Chronic low-grade inflammation is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease and mortality. The objective of the study was to test the effect of a healthy lifestyle intervention on biomarkers of inflammation (among other risk markers).
Methods
We conducted a non-randomized controlled trial with mostly middle-aged and elderly participants from the general population in rural northwest Germany (intervention: n = 114; control: n = 87). The intervention consisted of a 1-year lifestyle programme focusing on diet (largely plant-based; strongest emphasis), physical activity, stress management, and social support. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was assessed at baseline, 10 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Homocysteine (Hcy) was assessed at baseline, 10 weeks, and 1 year. Adiponectin (Apn) was assessed at baseline and 10 weeks. An exploratory analysis of these inflammatory markers assessing the between-group differences with ANCOVA was conducted.
Results
The 1-year trajectory of hs-CRP was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to control (between-group difference: -0.8 (95% CI -1.2, -0.3) mg/l; p = 0.001; adjusted for baseline). The 1-year trajectory of Hcy was non-significantly higher in the intervention compared to control (between-group difference: 0.2 (95% CI -0.3, 0.7) µmol/l; p = 0.439; adjusted for baseline). From baseline to 10 weeks, Apn decreased significantly more in the intervention group compared to control (between-group difference: -1.6 (95% CI -2.7, -0.5) µg/ml; p = 0.004; adjusted for baseline).
Conclusions
Our study shows that healthy lifestyle changes can lower hs-CRP and Apn levels and are unlikely to significantly affect Hcy levels within 1 year.
Trial registration
German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS; reference: DRKS00018775, registered 12 Sept 2019; retrospectively registered; www.drks.de).
Veganismus
(2014)