Change in Weight, BMI, and Body Composition in a Population-Based Intervention Versus Genetic-Based Intervention: The NOW Trial

Justine R Horne 1 2 3, Jason A Gilliland 3 4 5 6 7 8 9, Colleen P O'Connor 3 7 10, Jamie A Seabrook 3 5 7 8 9 10, Janet Madill 3 7 10

Affiliations

PMID: 32935529
DOI: 10.1002/oby.22880

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare changes in body fat percentage (BFP), weight, and BMI between a standard intervention and a nutrigenomics intervention.

Methods: The Nutrigenomics, Overweight/Obesity and Weight Management (NOW) trial is a parallel-group, pragmatic, randomized controlled clinical trial incorporated into the Group Lifestyle BalanceTM (GLB) Program. Statistical analyses included two-way ANOVA and split-plot ANOVA. Inclusion criteria consisted of: BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 , ≥18 years of age, English speaking, willing to undergo genetic testing, having internet access, and not seeing another health care provider for weight-loss advice outside of the study. Pregnancy and lactation were exclusion criteria. GLB groups were randomly assigned 1 to 1 (N = 140) so that participants received either the standard 12-month GLB program or a modified 12-month program (GLB plus nutrigenomics), which included the provision of nutrigenomics information and advice for weight management. The primary outcome was percent change in BFP. Secondary outcomes were change in weight and BMI.

Results: The GLB plus nutrigenomics group experienced significantly (P < 0.05) greater reductions in percent and absolute BFP at the 3-month follow-up and percent BFP at the 6-month follow-up compared with the standard GLB group.

Conclusions: The nutrigenomics intervention used in the NOW trial can optimize change in body composition up to 6 months.