Simple messages to improve dietary quality: A pilot investigation

Barbara C. Olendzki, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Yunsheng Ma, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Kristin L. Schneider, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Philip A. Merriam, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Annie L. Culver, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Ira S. Ockene, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Sherry L. Pagoto, University of Massachusetts Medical School

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.

Citation: 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.