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Alex Chisholm

Publications and source records attributed to Alex Chisholm.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Isocaloric substitution of plant sterol-enriched fat spread for carbohydrate-rich foods in a low-fat, fibre-rich diet decreases plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increases high-density lipoprotein concentrations.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the effects on plasma cholesterol of replacing a plant sterol-enriched fat spread with carbohydrate-rich foods relative to a diet high in saturated fat. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-nine men and women, from the general community, with mean age (SD) 48 (14)y, body mass index 29.0 (6.2)kg/m(2), and plasma total cholesterol concentration 6.48 (0.97)mmol/L completed the randomised, crossover dietary intervention. There were three diets: New Zealand diet (NZ diet) high in total (34%kJ) and saturated (15%kJ) fat, a cholesterol-lowering fibre-rich diet reduced in total (30%kJ) and saturated fat (8%kJ) but including a plant sterol spread (PS diet), and the same cholesterol-lowering diet with the plant sterol spread isocalorically replaced with carbohydrate (CHO diet); total fat, 26%kJ; saturated fat 7%kJ. All foods were provided and each diet was followed for four weeks. Mean (SD) plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration declined from 4.68 (0.91)mmol/L on the high saturated fat diet to 4.12 (0.83)mmol/L (P<0.001) on the carbohydrate diet and 3.76 (0.84)mmol/L (P<0.001) on the plant sterol diet. The 20% decrease on the plant sterol diet was significantly greater (P<0.001) than the 12% decrease on the carbohydrate diet. Relative to the NZ diet, mean (95% CI) plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration changed by -0.11 (-0.16, -0.06)mmol/L on the CHO diet but was not different at the end of the PS diet, -0.03 (-0.09, 0.02). CONCLUSION: Including a plant sterol-enriched fat spread in a cholesterol-lowering diet produces a more favourable plasma lipid profile than the same diet made lower in total and saturated fat by replacing the spread with carbohydrate-rich foods.

Adult↗

A new approach to design and implement a lifestyle intervention programme to prevent type 2 diabetes in New Zealand Maori.

Lifestyle programmes provide the greatest opportunity to stem the developing epidemic of type 2 diabetes. This is especially relevant to indigenous people worldwide, and to Maori in New Zealand. The shift from traditional diets and activities to a westernised energy dense diet and a sedentary lifestyle has precipitated the rapid increase in Maori developing type 2 diabetes in New Zealand. Attendance of Maori to mainstream health clinics or programmes has been poor, and a unique approach developed specifically for Maori is required if Maori are going to attend and benefit from lifestyle programmes. We describe the process involved in developing a successful community programme for Maori and outline the novel aspects of the programme which contribute to its acceptability and success in the local community.

Attitude to Health↗

Implementation of a successful lifestyle intervention programme for New Zealand Maori to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Lifestyle programmes have been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in European populations. The participation of Maori in many mainstream health programmes is poor. This study evaluates a lifestyle intervention programme which is acceptable to Maori and which has objective outcome measures to determine the effectiveness of the programme. Thirty six Maori men and women were recruited for a 4 month programme involving modification of diet and exercise. Insulin sensitivity was measured using a euglycaemic insulin clamp, body composition using dual-energy-absorptiometry and fitness using a submaximal exercise test. Secondary outcome measures included anthropometry, blood pressure, fasting glucose and insulin levels, and lipid profiles. There was a 24% improvement in insulin sensitivity (from 5.1 to 6.3 G/mIU/L, P=0.03, N=29). This was associated with a reduction of 3.1 kg in weight (95%CI -4 to -2) and a reduction of 7 mmHg in systolic blood pressure (95%CI -13, -1). This approach successfully reduced risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in New Zealand Maori in the short term.

Adult↗

Intensive lifestyle changes are necessary to improve insulin sensitivity: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The extent to which lifestyle must be altered to improve insulin sensitivity has not been established. This study compares the effect on insulin sensitivity of current dietary and exercise recommendations with a more intensive intervention in normoglycemic insulin-resistant individuals. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Seventy-nine normoglycemic insulin-resistant (determined by the euglycemic insulin clamp) men and women were randomized to either a control group or one of two combined dietary and exercise programs. One group (modest level) was based on current recommendations and the other on a more intensive dietary and exercise program. Insulin sensitivity was measured using a euglycemic insulin clamp, body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and anthropometry and aerobic fitness were assessed before and after a 4-month intervention period. Four-day dietary intakes were recorded, and fasting glucose, insulin, and lipids were measured. RESULTS: Only the intensive group showed a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity (23% increase, P=0.006 vs. 9% in the modest group, P=0.23). This was associated with a significant improvement in aerobic fitness (11% increase in the intensive group, P=0.02 vs. 1% in the modest group, P=0.94) and a greater fiber intake, but no difference in reported total or saturated dietary fat. CONCLUSIONS: Current clinical dietary and exercise recommendations, even when vigorously implemented, did not significantly improve insulin sensitivity; however, a more intensive program did. Improved aerobic fitness appeared to be the major difference between the two intervention groups, although weight loss and diet composition may have also played an important role in determining insulin sensitivity.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗