Impact of a fructose-free diet on anthropometric measurements: an interventional study

Abstract

Background: Obesity represents a major global health challenge, with fructose consumption implicated in metabolic dysfunction. This study compared fructose-free diets (FFD) with conventional hypocaloric approaches for obesity management. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Al-Najaf Nutrition Clinic, Iraq, involving 114 overweight/obese adults (ages 25-65). Participants were randomized to either FFD (<15g fructose/day) or hypocaloric control groups (500-700 kcal deficit) for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes included waist circumference and visceral fat levels. Secondary outcomes assessed anthropometric parameters, lipid profiles, and liver function markers. Results: Both groups achieved significant waist circumference reductions without between-group differences (FFD: -12.4±8.2cm vs Control: -13.1±7.8cm, p>0.05). Visceral fat showed greater reduction in FFD group (-4.36±2.1 vs -3.06±1.9, p=0.001). Triglycerides decreased more significantly in FFD groups for both males (-102.8±38.2 vs -78.4±32.1 mg/dl, p=0.014) and females (-98.4±35.6 vs -65.2±28.9 mg/dl, p=0.001). Weight loss and liver enzyme improvements were equivalent between groups. Conclusions: Fructose-free and hypocaloric diets produce comparable anthropometric improvements, with FFD showing superior triglyceride reduction. Both approaches represent viable obesity management strategies, with intervention selection based on patient preferences and metabolic profiles.