Researchers in Germany evaluated three approaches to weight loss and cardiovascular health, compared with a control group, in participants with overweight or obesity over 16 weeks.
“The greatest effect is likely attributable to the individualized, nutrient-optimized menu plans rather than the type of counseling or delivery mode,” he researchers concluded in Frontiers in Nutrition. However, they noted that a larger sample size might have revealed differences in effects.
The nutrition plans gradually reduced energy intake to 70% of German guideline values, with macronutrient ratios of 40-55% carbohydrates, 15% protein, and 30-35% fat. They also optimized fatty acid intake, reduced cholesterol intake, and increased dietary fiber.
At least 5% weight loss was achieved by between 53% and nearly 77% of participants, depending on the intervention group.
“All three interventions improved cardiovascular risk factors, particularly reductions in blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and markers of glucose metabolism,” the researchers wrote, noting that the approach is suitable for long-term implementation in daily life.
Study details
The PreVa study was a single-center, randomized, parallel, four-arm intervention trial conducted in Germany between April and July 2021.
A sample of 69 participants completed the 16-week trial. All were aged 25 to 51, with a body mass index (BMI) indicating overweight or class 1 obesity. Participants were excluded from the trial if they had diagnosed conditions such as hypercholesterolemia or diabetes or were taking lipid-lowering medications or supplements.
After a 7-day run-inphase in which they completed a dietary log, they were randomized to one of four groups: (1) app-based, (2) individual coaching, (3) general dietary recommendations, and (4) control.
All the intervention groups received nutrient-optimized menu plans either via an app or in printed form and had various levels of counseling. Additionally, they received flaxseed oil supplementation.
Their energy intake was gradually reduced over 4-week intervals, with maintenance phases at the start and end of the trial. At each 4-week period, the researchers collected blood and urine samples and anthropometric measurements, and conducted a counseling session.
The results revealed that body weight decreased across all groups. Still, the decline was significantly more pronounced in the three intervention groups (−6.5%, −7.3%, −6.0%) than in the control group (−2.1%) and remained stable during the maintenance phase.
“A clinically relevant (> 5 %) weight loss was achieved by 66.7 %, 78.9 %, and 53.3 % of participants for all interventions, respectively,” the researchers wrote.
There was no significant difference in the reductions in blood pressure observed in all groups.
Groups 2 and 3 showed significant reductions in total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and Group 1 exhibited significant decreases in fasting glucose and HOMA-IR compared with the other groups. The researchers noted that the effects on insulin sensitivity may be linked to more intensive dietary and physical exercise recommendations in groups 1 and 2.
There were no relevant changes in micronutrient status; however, α-linolenic acid concentrations increased across all groups, with greater increases in the intervention groups.
The authors acknowledged the study’s limitations, including potential bias and adherence to recommendations, and noted that a larger sample size might have revealed more differences between groups.
Source: Front. Nutr., 23 September 2026, Sec. Nutrition and Metabolism,
Volume 13 - 2026 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1815820
“A randomized parallel-designed study evaluating the effect of an app-based nutritional concept for weight reduction and further cardiovascular risk factors: Insights from the PreVA study.”
Authors: L. Klein et al.
