This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Because of the significance of obesity to the health of Americans, and the generally poor outcome of convetional medical treatments, experts and official agencies have emphasized the need for clinical trials investigating innovative approaches to the treatment of obesity and prevention of related problems. There is a substantial body of evidence that a low GI diet might be useful in this regard. first, GI can be related to body weight regulation and risk for related diseases through plausible physiological mechanisms. Second, animal studies have found improvements in adiposity, insulin resistance and related endpoints on nutrient-controlled low compared to high GI diets. Third, most of the short-term and pilot studies in humans on the subject describe beneficial effects of low GI foods or diets on hunger and voluntary food intake, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Fourth, the majority of relevant epidemiological studies found that low GI diets may reduce risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Fifth, our non-randomized study of outcomes from the Obesity Program at Children's Hospital, Boston provides evidence that a low GI diet may be practical to administer and can induce weight loss. However, low GI diets have never been tested in long term, GI diets among obese children in a 12-month, outpatient pilot study. Specifically, can the principals of this diet be taught to children and their parents in a practical manner? Will children comply with this diet for 1 year? Does this diet produce significant and meaningful effects compared to a control diet? The results of this study should help clarify the role of GI in a relevant clinical setting and the need for a future multi-trial.
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