MedPath

Nutritious Eating With Soul (The NEW Soul Study)

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
Overweight and Obesity
Interventions
Behavioral: Dietary Intervention Meetings
Behavioral: Physical Activity
Behavioral: Podcasts/Mailings
Registration Number
NCT03354377
Lead Sponsor
University of South Carolina
Brief Summary

This study addresses two challenges seen among African American (AA) participants during previous weight loss and dietary interventions aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk: poor weight loss results and high attrition rates. Investigators will target both of these challenges by using a randomized design to compare a plant-based dietary intervention (vegan diet) vs. an omnivorous (omni) diet and by focusing on culturally-tailored food choices for AA adults living in the South. Therefore, the objective of the study is to conduct a culturally-tailored, randomized trial examining how a vegan diet affects CVD risk factors and weight as compared with an omni diet. The study will randomize overweight AA adults (n=130) to follow one of two different diets (vegan or omni) for 24 months. Investigators will accomplish objectives and test hypotheses by following two specific primary aims:

Primary Aims: Using a randomized design, determine the impact at 12 months of two different, culturally tailored diets (n=65 omni and n=65 vegan) on changes in:

1. Risk factors for CVD, including LDL cholesterol and blood pressure; and

2. Body weight.

Secondary Aim

3. Examine long-term changes in CVD risk factors and body weight at 24 months.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
159
Inclusion Criteria
  • Self-identify as African American
  • Be between the ages of 18-65 years
  • Body Mass Index between 25- 49.9 kg/m2
  • Live in the Columbia, SC/Midlands area
  • Be able to attend all monitoring and weekly class visits
  • Be willing to be randomized to either diet
Exclusion Criteria
  • Currently following a vegan diet
  • Diagnosed with diabetes that is controlled by medication
  • Currently pregnant or breastfeeding (or plan to become pregnant in the next 24 months)
  • Under the age of 18 years old
  • Over the age of 65 years old
  • Currently participating in a weight loss program
  • Has lost more than 10 pounds in the past 6 months
  • Diagnosed with stroke or heart attack

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Vegan DietPodcasts/MailingsParticipants in this group will follow a plant-based vegan diet. The vegan group diet will be based on investigators' pilot work, which instructs participants to favor a diet built around whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. This group will be supplemented by the Oldways African Heritage and Health program, which includes a food pyramid guide. A Taste of African Heritage (ATAH) six-lesson nutrition and cooking program and an online course for health professionals and cooking instructors (all research and restaurant team members will complete this course. Interventions include intervention meetings, physical activity, and podcasts/mailings.
Omnivorous (Omni) DietPodcasts/MailingsParticipants in this group will follow a low-fat omni diet. The diet intervention for the omni group will be supplemented by the Oldways African Heritage and Health program, which includes a food pyramid guide, A Taste of African Heritage (ATAH) six-lesson nutrition and cooking program and an online course for health professionals and cooking instructors (all research and restaurant team members will complete this course). Interventions include intervention meetings, physical activity, and podcasts/mailings.
Vegan DietDietary Intervention MeetingsParticipants in this group will follow a plant-based vegan diet. The vegan group diet will be based on investigators' pilot work, which instructs participants to favor a diet built around whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. This group will be supplemented by the Oldways African Heritage and Health program, which includes a food pyramid guide. A Taste of African Heritage (ATAH) six-lesson nutrition and cooking program and an online course for health professionals and cooking instructors (all research and restaurant team members will complete this course. Interventions include intervention meetings, physical activity, and podcasts/mailings.
Vegan DietPhysical ActivityParticipants in this group will follow a plant-based vegan diet. The vegan group diet will be based on investigators' pilot work, which instructs participants to favor a diet built around whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. This group will be supplemented by the Oldways African Heritage and Health program, which includes a food pyramid guide. A Taste of African Heritage (ATAH) six-lesson nutrition and cooking program and an online course for health professionals and cooking instructors (all research and restaurant team members will complete this course. Interventions include intervention meetings, physical activity, and podcasts/mailings.
Omnivorous (Omni) DietPhysical ActivityParticipants in this group will follow a low-fat omni diet. The diet intervention for the omni group will be supplemented by the Oldways African Heritage and Health program, which includes a food pyramid guide, A Taste of African Heritage (ATAH) six-lesson nutrition and cooking program and an online course for health professionals and cooking instructors (all research and restaurant team members will complete this course). Interventions include intervention meetings, physical activity, and podcasts/mailings.
Omnivorous (Omni) DietDietary Intervention MeetingsParticipants in this group will follow a low-fat omni diet. The diet intervention for the omni group will be supplemented by the Oldways African Heritage and Health program, which includes a food pyramid guide, A Taste of African Heritage (ATAH) six-lesson nutrition and cooking program and an online course for health professionals and cooking instructors (all research and restaurant team members will complete this course). Interventions include intervention meetings, physical activity, and podcasts/mailings.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention based on dietary approach.Two years

Which dietary approach (vegan or omni) best targets both cardiovascular disease prevention and weight loss among overweight African Americans.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Discovery

🇺🇸

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath