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In 2004 Plant & Food Research contracted the University of Otago Department of Human Nutrition under a government research project called Lifestyle Foods, to investigate whether a diet high in commonly available sustained energy foods that make you feel full for longer, together with exercise, was an effective way to lose weight.
The University of Otago study included more than 100 overweight people from the Otago region in an intensive study involving regular consultations with dietitians and exercise consultants. This was conducted over 18 months. Participants were measured at the beginning and end of the 18 months as well as during the study. The participants on the first Aspire trial lost about 10% of their weight during the 18 months and the weight loss on Aspire diet was comparable to a traditional low fat diet. The Aspire for Life diet advocates balance and not total avoidance of any food type. Aspire for Life diet is thus easily adopted as part of a permanent change for a healthier lifestyle.
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Great as the Otago University Study was, the researcher recognised that this approach which involved intensive interaction with participants was not a practical way to make this valuable information more widely available. Plant & Food Research furthered the research by building the second version of Aspire for Life diet, using the dietary principles of the original study but designing it into a programme that could be delivered via the Internet.
The first version of the Aspire for Life web site was created to give:
- Great tasting and practical food recipes suitable for the whole family
- Food and exercise guidelines that can be revisited time and time again
- New and relevant pointers to assist lifestyle changes on a weekly basis
- Feedback from a dietitian who will be monitoring progress and diet
- An opportunity to interact with other participants and the dietitian from your own computer
The web based Aspire for Life diet was evaluated in a research study conducted between February and August 2007. The study generated tremendous interest. From more than 700 people volunteering to participate in the study, we recruited 103 with a BMI of 28 or more for the six month trial.
The trial was a success, with 70 participants staying on the programme for the full six months and 75% achieving weight loss.
The Aspire for Life team learned a lot from the pilot study, and developed a more comprehensive and advanced online weight loss website
The second version of the Aspire for Life web site:
- incorporates the deeper understanding that we gained of the needs of participants,
- is easier to use,
- has a much extended selection of recipes,
- offers more advice on how to manage your weight loss,
- has more online tools for monitoring your progress and diet
- provides easier access to the professional team and interaction with other participants.
You are now viewing the new Aspire for Life weight loss programme web site.
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