Zeitschrift für ernährungswissenschaftliche Forschung

Abstrakt

Anthropometric and Biochemical Effects of the 5 and 2 Diet: A Case Study

Mark A Booth* and Rhonda Orr

Objective: The aims of this paper were to undertake the 5 and 2 diet over a 5 week period to determine its effect on anthropometry, biochemical markers and psychological variables. Methods: Five weeks of the 5 and 2 diet were undertaken. Intake was restricted to 600 kcal on 2 days and was unrestricted on remaining days. Pre- and post- blood tests including fasting blood glucose, fasting plasma cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride, fasting insulin and IGF-1 were performed following the same overnight fasting period. Pre- and post- Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry scans were performed, food intakes were recorded via weighed food record and Foodworks analysis was conducted to determine adequacy of macro and micronutrient intakes. Psychological variables were assessed during the trial via a modified profile of mood states questionnaire. Results: This case study showed significant losses of lean tissue. No significant change in fat mass was observed however, a small loss of bone tissue was noted. Plasma cholesterol and LDL levels increased while plasma triglyceride, fasting insulin and IGF-1 levels decreased. No significant change in fasting blood glucose was observed. Inadequate dietary intakes of key micronutrients were identified such as calcium, magnesium and iodine. Psychological variables assessed showed increased hunger, irritability as well as decreased concentration and poorer sleep quality. Conclusion: This indicates the need for more future research including randomised controlled trials with much larger sample sizes and longitudinal studies to determine more chronic effects. Such studies should investigate the efficacy of the 5 and 2 diet in a variety of populations before the diet can be safely prescribed to the general population.