Effect of Low-calorie Diet and Orange Juice on Body Weight and Metabolic Parameters of Obese Subjects

Nutritionists prescribed a low-calorie diet that was estimated from total energy expenditure (TEE) for each individual minus 500 kcal per day (30% TEE). Both groups had the same diet plan based on individual weight. The dietary plan was composed of six meals/day: breakfast (fat-free milk and coffee; whole-grain bread with margarine, and an apple); snack 1 (250 mL OJ / banana and free-fat yogurt); lunch (brown rice, beans, grilled lean meat, salad, cooked vegetables); snack 2 (250 mL OJ / free-fat yogurt with oatmeal); dinner (brown rice, beans, grilled lean meat, cooked vegetables and salad); and snack 3 (salty crackers or oat cookies, tea without sugar). Body composition measurements were collected (monthly); blood samples and dietary questionnaires (every two weeks).