Education on the glycemic index of foods fails to improve treatment outcomes in a behavioral weight loss program.

The glycemic index (GI) may play an important role in weight management by helping to control appetite and insulin levels. The impact of adding education on the GI of foods to a behavioral weight loss program (BWLP) was examined. Fifty-three obese, sedentary participants were randomly assigned to receive either a BWLP or a BWLP+GI education. Pre- and posttreatment weight loss, body fat, and diet were assessed. Weight loss and body fat were assessed at 1-year posttreatment. GI education had no significant impact on weight loss treatment outcomes at posttreatment or 1-year follow-up. Average weight loss was 7.6 kg (p<0.05). Participants in the BWLP+GI education group had significantly greater GI knowledge (p<0.05) and consumed foods with a lower average daily GI (p<0.05), than participants in the BWLP at posttreatment. At 1-year posttreatment, participants regained 59% of their posttreatment weight loss and 34% of their lost body fat. GI education did not improve BWLP treatment outcomes in this investigation.