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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #239620
Title: Systematic review and meta analysis of the relationship between whole-grain consumption and weight management

Author
item HARLAND, JANICE - John Moores University
item GARTON, LYNN - Alimenta, Ltd
item MCKEOWN, NICOLA - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2009
Publication Date: 3/24/2009
Citation: Harland, J.I., Garton, L.E., Mckeown, N. 2009. Systematic review and meta analysis of the relationship between whole-grain consumption and weight management. In: Cereals & Europe Spring Meeting 2009, Whole Grain Global Summit. Abstract No. S408.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Background: Whole grain is recognized as an important component of a healthy diet, however with the rising incidence of obesity we considered that assessment of the evidence relating to its role in weight management was timely. Objective: This systematic review of the scientific literature and meta analysis was conducted to identify and quantify the effect of whole grain consumption on measures of weight gain and risk of obesity. Design: Scientific databases were searched for cohort studies that measured weight gain and whole grain intake during the period 1995-2008; other observational studies that met pre-defined criteria were also retained for analysis. Weighted mean effect sizes were calculated for net changes in weight or weight gain, risk of obesity and central adiposity using either fixed or random-effect models. Results: The primary outcome, weight gain, calculated from 5 cohorts, (76912 subjects) followed for circa 8 years, was 0.568kg (95%Cl:- 0.43, -071kg) lower in those consuming most whole grain; P<0.0001. Whole grain consumption reduced the risk of overweight or obesity (BMI>25) when calculated as either OR (5 studies) or RR (2 studies);.OR = 0.850 (95%Cl 0.71, 1.02), RR = 0.809, (95% Cl 0.67, 0.975), P<0.05 and combined risk ratio was 0.83 (95% Cl 0.73, 0.95); P<0.005. A higher intake of whole grain resulted in lower waist:hip ratio or waist circumference (WC) equivalent to 19cm reduction in WC. Conclusion: A higher intake of whole grain is associated with less weight gain, central adiposity and risk of obesity.