Objective Epidemiologic studies have shown that a high calcium intake is related to lower body weight, fat, and serum lipids in obese individuals. However, clinical studies have shown inconclusive results. The present study was conducted to determine if dairy or calcium supplementation alters body composition or serum lipids in Puerto Rican obese adults without dietary energy restriction or exercise. Methods A 21-wk randomized clinical trial was conducted in 30 obese adults, aged 21–50 y, with usual calcium intakes <700 mg/d. Subjects were randomly assigned to the following: high dairy (~1300 mg/d of calcium from dairy products by substituting foods); high calcium (~1300 mg/d of calcium; ~700 mg/d from diet and 600 mg/d from a supplement); or placebo. Subjects were asked to continue their established dietary intake (except for the high dairy group) and their physical activity during the study. Body weight was measured monthly; body fat, bone, and serum lipids (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and triacylglycerol) were measured at baseline and at 21 wk. Pairwise differences in study endpoints among the groups were assessed using ANOVA and post-hoc analysis. Results Grand mean calcium intake was 1200 ± 370 (median 1187) mg/d in the high dairy group, 1171 ± 265 (median 1165) mg/d in the high calcium group, and 668 ± 273 (median 691) mg/d in the control group, which was significantly lower compared to the two treatment groups (P < 0.001). There were no significant group effects in any of the outcome variables. Conclusion A high dairy or calcium diet alone did not alter body composition or serum lipids profile in a sample of Puerto Rican obese adults.

Objectives To describe the development, implementation and lessons learned of lifestyle intervention to promote appropriate gestational weight gain among Hispanic pregnant women. Design The intervention was informed by an empowerment oriented theoretical framework, and targeted women in the Pregnancy and Early Life Improvement Study. Methods The nutrition component consisted of recommendations for total calories, food quantity and improving carbohydrate and fat quality. We provided brown rice, omega-3 rich vegetable oil and spread, and water monthly. The physical activity focused on limiting sedentary behavior and promoting regular movement. The intervention was delivered through individual and group sessions and phone calls. Participants set their own goals, which were closely monitored. The intervention was evaluated extracting data from participant's record (attendance, goals, and challenges) and using a questionnaire. Results Participants were from underserved communities with economic, time, cultural and social barriers for engaging in lifestyle interventions. Modifications were done to facilitate participation, such as coordinating sessions with prenatal appointments and reducing group size and duration of sessions. Weekly text messages were added to reinforce the intervention. The main goal chosen by participants was reduction of sweetened beverages. The greatest challenges were replacing white rice with brown rice and improving physical activity. Participants suggested conducting sessions near their community and using social media as a motivation tool. Main outcomes results will be published elsewhere. Conclusion We identified barriers to delivering the lifestyle intervention, mainly related to group session's participation. Sessions should be conducted in the community, using text messages and social media as reinforcement.

Studies have shown that high calcium diets significantly reduce body weight and fat in obese individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of increased calcium intake (dairy or supplements) on body weight and fat and blood lipids in Puerto Ricans while on isocaloric diets. A 6‐months randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted in obese adults, aged 21‐50 years and BMI >30 kg/m2. A total of 32 subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1300 mg/d of calcium from dairy products (foods were substituted with dairies) or supplements and placebo group. Subjects were asked not to change their diet (except for the dairy group) and physical activity during the study, which were monitored monthly. Weight, fat and lean body mass (by DEXA), and blood lipids were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Twenty five subjects completed the study. Mean intakes of calcium during the trial was 1197±184 mg/d in the dairy group, 1171±196 mg/d in the supplemental group and 668±201 mg/d in the control group, which was significantly lower compared to the 2 treatment groups (P<0.001). No significant differences were observed in the mean change in any of the measurements between the three treatment groups. In conclusion, increasing calcium intake from dairy products or supplements did not alter body weight and fat and blood lipids in this group.

Diet, physical activity and bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) were measured in a group of Puerto Rican obese adults, 21–50 years old. A total of 29 subjects, 23 females and 6 males, participated in this study. Dietary intake was estimated from 3 24‐h diet records and daily physical activity level was measured by the Framingham Physical Activity Index during the same 3 days. BMD was measured by Dual‐Energy X‐Ray Absorptiometry (Hologic). BMI was 40.2±5.9 kg/m2, and 39.9±6.7 kg/m2, in females and males, respectively. Calcium intake was 528±146 mg/d and 624±197 mg/d, magnesium intake was 184.6±65 mg/d and 219±75 mg/d, vitamin K intake was 30±20 mcg/d and 17±6 mcg/d, and physical activity index score was 29±2.6 and 31±3, in females and males, respectively. Total BMC was 2325±389 g and 2856±577 g and BMD was 1.164±0.121 g/cm2 and 1.270±0.139 g/cm2, in females and males, respectively. BMI was significantly correlated to BMC (r=0.45, p<0.05). In this group of young obese adults, dietary intake was not related to BMC or BMD. Calcium, magnesium and vitamin K intakes were much lower than recommended intakes and most subjects had a sedentary lifestyle. A larger study is needed to determine the major determinants of bone in Puerto Ricans.This investigation was supported by the RCMI Clinical Research Infrastructure Initiative (RCRII) Award, 1P20 ‐ RR11126, from NCRR, NIH.