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The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. An Internet-based weight-loss programme has the potential to reach larger numbers of people than traditional face-to-face programmes. A growing body of evidence supports the use of low glycaemic load (GL) diets for weight loss. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of an Internet-based weight-loss programme that included foods with a low GL. One hundred and three volunteers, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg m, enrolled into an Internet weight-loss programme. A dietitian counselled participants over the Internet via weekly interactive chat rooms and monthly e-mails. Participants self-recorded body weight and food intake directly on to the Internet site. Weight, BMI and waist circumference were measured, and dietary data collected, at baseline and 6 months. Seventy participants completed the 6-month weight-loss programme. Among these, mean weight, BMI and waist circumference significantly decreased by 3.5 kg (95% CI = 2.3-4.7), 1.2 kg m (95% CI = 0.8-1.7) and 4.8 cm (95% CI = 2.8-6.8), of baseline values respectively ( P < 0.001). Twenty-five (36%) of the 70 participants lost a clinically significant amount of weight (>5% of initial body weight). This descriptive study has shown that an Internet-based weight-loss programme with low GL principles can promote weight loss. This type of intervention and approach could be used to enhance other weight-loss strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the bone health and associated risk factors of a group of South Asian women living in New Zealand. Studies on the Indian subcontinent suggest a high incidence of low bone mineral density in women with poor vitamin D status and low dietary calcium intake. Methods: Subjects were women of South Asian origin (n = 91) living in Auckland, New Zealand. Subjects were stratified by menopausal status. They completed a 4-day food diary, and provided a fasting blood sample. Bone mineral density was measured in the lumbar spine and proximal femur using dual X-ray densitometry. Results: Mean age of premenopausal (n = 71) and postmenopausal (n = 20) women was 39.8 ± 7.8 and 55.3 ± 5.4 years, respectively. Osteoporosis ( T-score ≤−2.5) was present in 32% of postmenopausal and 3% of premenopausal subjects, but only in the lumbar spine. Adequate 25(OH)D levels (>50 nmol/L) were found in only 22% of premenopausal, and 26% of postmenopausal women. A body mass index in the overweight or obese category was found in 61% of premenopausal and 75% of postmenopausal women. Conclusion: The high incidence of osteoporosis in the postmenopausal group could be associated with the early age of oophorectomy or menopause together with low vitamin D status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]