Mixed Tree Nut Snacks Compared to Refined Carbohydrate Snacks Resulted in Weight Loss and Increased Satiety during Both Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance: A 24-Week Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Mixed tree nuts (MTNs) are an excellent source of protein and healthy fat contributing to satiety. However, their relatively high caloric content might not be beneficial in a weight loss diet. The present study was designed to test whether including MTNs in a weight loss and maintenance program interferes with weight management compared to a refined carbohydrate pretzel snack (PS). We performed a randomized, controlled, two-arm study in 95 overweight individuals consuming 1.5 oz of MTNs or PS daily as part of a hypocaloric weight loss diet (−500 kcal) over 12 weeks followed by an isocaloric weight maintenance program for 12 weeks. Participants in both groups experienced significant weight loss (12 weeks: −1.6 and −1.9 and 24 weeks: −1.5 and −1.4 kg) compared to baseline in the MTN and PS groups, respectively. However, there was no difference in weight loss and other outcome parameters between the MTN and PS groups. The MTN group showed a significant increase in satiety at 24 weeks. Both groups had a decrease in diastolic blood pressure at 12 weeks. Participants in the MTN group showed significant decreases in heart rate at 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Plasma oleic acid was significantly increased at 12 and 24 weeks in the MTN group but only at 12 weeks in the PS group. Plasma MCP-1 was decreased significantly in the MTN group at 4 weeks. In summary, participants in both groups lost weight, but only the MTN intervention increased satiety at 24 weeks, enhanced retention, decreased heart rate, and increased serum oleic acid at 24 weeks.

Effect of Walnut Predinner Snack on Mealtime Hunger and Nutrient Intake Among University Students

“…Unlike the present acute study where significant postmeal appetite measures were not observed, 24 weeks of mixed tree nut consumption as part of a hypocaloric diet overweight persons aged 30–68 years lead to an increase in postmeal satiety that was associated with weight loss. 22 Peanut-dependent changes in appetite ratings were not observed in the 19-week study of 33 ± 9-year-old study population. 23 When presented with a cold buffet 180 min after a premeal snack of peanuts, 61 ± 6-year-old obese (BMI 31 ± 3) subjects had no snack-dependent differences for hunger and satiety.…”

Snacking on Almonds Lowers Glycaemia and Energy Intake Compared to a Popular High-Carbohydrate Snack Food: An Acute Randomised Crossover Study

“…Conversely, Mori et al observed that the inclusion of whole almonds as part of a breakfast meal increased satiety and attenuated blood glucose response after a second meal consumed 4 h after breakfast among participants with impaired glucose tolerance [57]. Over 24 weeks, Wang et al showed that the inclusion of mixed nuts (1.5 oz/d) into a weight loss diet increased satiety to a greater extent than isocaloric amounts of pretzels [58]. However, it should be noted that there was no evidence that weight loss differed between the two groups.…”

Effects of Nut Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Coronary Heart Diseases

“…A clinical trial that wasn't included in the metaanalysis (79-84) investigated the effects of nut snacks consumption on blood pressure (85). Mixed tree nut consumption for 12 weeks showed a significant reduction in DBP (p<0.05), compared to pretzel consumption.…”